FAQs

It is free to download and use the Generation Rx toolkit resources for elementary, teen, university, adult, and older adult audiences. We believe that every community should have access to medication safety education. Our work is possible through funding from our founding sponsor, Cardinal Health, as well as grants, donations, and support from the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy. 

Other components of our portfolio include Generation Rx Ambassadors, as well as in-person and webinar-based trainings. These resources do have costs associated with them – please email info@generationrx.org to share your needs and learn more about any potential costs.

It is extremely important that effective sustainable prevention education be made available to educators and communities. Generation Rx meets the criteria of research-based (also known as evidenced-informed) programming. Research-based programs share many criteria with evidence-based programs. For example, they must have: a defined set of activities and learning objectives, basis in currently available research and best practices, documented research findings showing a positive impact on the learner or participant and be published or reviewed by at least one reputable organization/scientific body. One of the primary reasons that Generation Rx falls into this category, is that we design our research activities to also be community-engaged, and so we often cannot provide the controlled experimental design that meets evidence-based requirements. Our approach, however, allows us to demonstrate positive outcomes, while also learning from community-based partners and prioritizing quality improvements and faster innovation. For more detailed information about our outcomes and impact, visit our section for Outcomes.

We strive to produce high-quality, effective programming. We review our programs for quality improvements and collaborate with our partners in the field to maintain relevance and accessibility at regular intervals.

Yes, we can provide in-person and webinar-based training in some situations. This option is best for agencies looking to train more than 25 individuals, and which intends to formerly evaluate its local programming. These trainings are customizable for your audience and can focus on just one toolkit, or the entire suite of materials offered by Generation Rx. Our hands-on approach helps to train your audience on best practices for prevention and tips for successful campaigns. 

Depending on your individual or agency needs, the online Generation Rx Ambassadors course may be a great option! Contact us by email at info@generationrx.org to inquire about your training needs and gather information about associated costs. 

All the materials available on GenerationRx.osu.edu belong to the Generation Rx program and Ohio State University College of Pharmacy (OSU). While minor adaptations are acceptable—such as adding an opening slide with your logo or contact information—the slides should not be altered and should reflect the correct ownership to OSU.  

The design, content, and teaching techniques laid out in our toolkits are the result of an interdisciplinary team working cooperatively for more than 15 years. We review our toolkit components regularly and strive to make quality improvements that reflect emerging public health concerns and research findings. Thus, changing the content of our materials will likely reduce their effectiveness—and in extreme causes—may cause unintended harm.  We do recognize that minor updates may be needed in the interim. If you feel that you have identified a toolkit resource in need of change, please email us at info@generationrx.org.

There are several ways that you can get started! If you are a practicing health professional or graduate student, consider how you can incorporate medication safety into your clinic environments. We have several patient-related resources you can download (for traditional and veterinary based settings) and would be happy to talk you through getting started. 

If you want to plan a local Generation Rx program, start by visiting the toolkit page that fits your goal. Each toolkit is designed around developmentally appropriate learning techniques and key messages. So, if your event will have multiple age groups, consider that when exploring the website.

Are you a member of 4-H or Girl Scouts? In collaboration with the Ohio State University Cooperative Extension, we created the 4-H Medication Safety Activity Book, which has been peer-reviewed and is available nationwide. We also collaborated with the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council to create the Generation Rx Patch program, which debuted at the 2020 Convention of the Girl in Columbus, Ohio.

Anyone seeking to conduct Generation Rx programming in their local community should consider becoming an Ambassador. The Generation Rx Ambassadors online course was initially designed to train students in the health sciences on how to use Generation Rx resources in their community outreach and education efforts. In collaboration with the Ohio State University Colleges of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Veterinary Medicine, we have developed multiple customized courses and CE opportunities now available to the public. 

The course introduces you to the Generation Rx philosophy, the basics of prevention science and public health, and our collection of educational resources.  The self-guided course prepares you to plan and deliver Generation Rx programming in any setting. And it will help you consider how prevention education—and our resources—fit into a broader prevention plan. Learn more by visiting our Ambassadors page.

Unfortunately, there are no educational giveaways or mini-grants currently available. However, our team is happy to help you brainstorm effective educational giveaways for your programs, based on our programming experience. Contact us by email at info@generationrx.org to learn more.

Yes, it is possible. We have previously collaborated with organizations at the regional and state levels to pilot new resources, training, and evaluation instruments. Thus, we have validated evaluation instruments for the Teen, University, and Older Adult Toolkits, as well as our Ambassadors virtual training program. We would love to hear about your evaluation needs and discuss a partnership to support any evaluation efforts. Contact us to discuss your specific needs at info@generationrx.org.