The Change Engine
Articles, videos, guides, reports, and community content from across Houston.
Friday, March 13, 2026
This is a collection of free online training courses and tools designed to help pharmacists better serve customers who need birth control. The courses teach pharmacists how to talk with customers about different birth control methods, manage inventory of contraceptive products, and provide safe injection services. There are four main courses covering general contraceptive choice, counseling skills, injectable birth control, and implant contraceptives. Each course includes practical training on how to counsel clients, stock products properly, and follow safety guidelines. The tools also include self-assessment questionnaires that help pharmacists identify areas where they need more training. These resources were created by pharmacists for pharmacists, with support from the Gates Foundation. While originally designed for use in Africa and Asia, the tools can be adapted for any location. The courses are highly interactive and focus on real-world pharmacy practices. They cover both clinical knowledge (like side effects and contraindications) and business operations (like inventory management). The goal is to help pharmacists become more confident in providing contraceptive services and expand access to family planning options in their communities.