Alyssa Barnes

Alyssa Barnes is a pharmacy resident at HealthLinc in Valparaiso, IN.

“Rates of unintended pregnancy in the United States have been decreasing, yet In Indiana, the unintended pregnancy rate was nearly 50% in 2010, with unpublished data suggesting the more recent rate has worsened to 53%. Recently, a statewide standing order was enacted on September 1, 2023, authorizing pharmacists to prescribe self-administered hormonal contraception. These services have expanded access for people capable of pregnancy to now see their pharmacist for advice, prescribing, and dispensing of birth control. Given the recent implementation of this standing order, it is unlikely that pregnancy-capable people are aware of this service at their local pharmacy and the specific types of birth control available. The objective of this study is to explore the most desirable strategies to educate pregnancy-capable people in Indiana about the availability of pharmacist-prescribed birth control, with the aim of enhancing the education, awareness, and accessibility of these contraceptive options.

Coming from New Mexico, where pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception has been in place for many years, I was surprised that it had been implemented in Indiana only one year ago. Since it is such a new implementation, many people are likely unaware that these services are offered and so with my project proposal, I want to identify the most effective strategies for educating pregnancy-capable individuals in Indiana about these services.

It is such an honor to receive this Incentive Grant, and I am most excited to begin implementing this research project to determine the most effective strategies to educate individuals on pharmacist-prescribed birth control. This will provide care to those who experience barriers such as lack of access to a provider, cost, and extended wait times.”