Vision
A Texas where every child grows up safe, informed, and supported, and where schools, families, and communities work together to prevent opioid misuse and suicide and protect youth.
About Us
About
Texas Opioid Prevention for K-12 Students (TOPS)
TOPS is a statewide program that works to prevent opioid misuse and keep youth safe across Texas. TOPS partners with schools, families, and communities to provide prevention education, raise awareness about illegal fentanyl and its risks, and connect people to trusted support and resources.
Our Vision and Mission
Mission
To prevent opioid misuse and suicide in youth by working with Texas schools and communities to provide proven education, raise awareness about dangers like fentanyl, and connect students and families to resources that support safety and well-being.
How We Work
Our Approach
TOPS brings together prevention education, community activities, events, services, and support to help protect youth and keep them safe.
Prevention Education
Programs based on research, designed for K–12 students, and matched to state requirements like Tuckers Law, TEKS, and NHES.
Community Engagement
Guided awareness sessions and group discussions that support local prevention and help communities work together.
Support and Coordination
Parent education, help finding services, access to prevention materials, youth events, and resources that connect youth and families to practical information and support.
Data-Driven
Research and Evaluation
TOPS uses data and feedback to keep improving its programs and measure results.
The program also supports statewide research on preventing youth opioid misuse and improving how education is delivered.
Our Team
Leadership Contacts
Connect with the TOPS leadership team for partnership inquiries, program information, or general questions about our prevention initiatives.
Dr. Joy Alonzo, M. Engineering, PharmD
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences TOPS PI Faculty Lead for Special Events, Services, & Resources
Dr. Marcia Ory, PhD, MPH
Regents Distinguished Professor TOPS PI Faculty Lead for Evaluation
Dr. Kelly Wilson, PhD, MCHES
Professor of Nursing TOPS Faculty Lead for School-based Implementation
Dr. Caitlin Holden, PhD
Assistant Research Scientist TOPS School Implementation Program Manager
Dr. Whitney Garney, PhD, MPH, FAHA
Director of Center for Community Health and Aging TOPS Faculty Lead for Community Engagement
Katelyn Murphy
Program Manager, Implementation TOPS Community Engagement Program Manager
LaRhesa Johnson
Project Director TOPS Project Management
Dr. Christi Esquivel, PhD
Assistant Research Scientist TOPS Evaluation Program Manager
Funding
Institutional Affiliation & Funding
Institutional Home
TOPS is an initiative of Texas A&M Health.
Address
8441 John Sharp Parkway
Clinical Building 1, Suite 3100
Bryan, TX 77807
8441 John Sharp Parkway
Clinical Building 1, Suite 3100
Bryan, TX 77807
Funding Source
The TOPS program is funded by the Texas Comptroller’s Opioid Abatement Fund Council and supports statewide youth opioid misuse prevention through education, awareness, special events and resources, and coordinated support efforts.