Families Challenged to Tackle Prescription Drug Abuse in New Jersey

10/13/2015

For Immediate Release:

October 12, 2015

Families Challenged to Tackle Prescription Drug Abuse in New Jersey

Free, Safe Medicine Disposal Locations Available Throughout the State

MILLBURN --- On November 14, 2015 the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s (PDFNJ) 6th Annual American Medicine Chest Challenge-New Jersey  (AMCCNJ) --- a public health initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and encourage safe disposal will be held in communities throughout the state.

This initiative challenges families to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge.

"The American Medicine Chest Challenge can help save the lives of our children," said Angelo M. Valente, executive director of PDFNJ. "By participating in AMCC's 5 Step Challenge, families throughout New Jersey are safeguarding their home from the potential misuse and abuse of medicine. The 5-steps include taking inventory of your medicine, securing your medicine, taking medicine only as prescribed, safely disposing of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, and talking to children about the dangers of prescription drugs.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled prescription drug abuse an epidemic, reporting that the death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers has more than tripled in the past decade and more than 40 people die every day from overdoses involving narcotic pain relievers. According to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, 70 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers obtained them from friends or relatives.

“With over 2,000 community and law enforcement partners nationwide, an awakening to the dangers of prescription drug abuse and a call to action to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, and unneeded medicine is continuing,” explained Valente, who noted disposal locations across the New Jersey can be found on AmericanMedicineChest.Com or through the free Mobile App “AMCC RX Drop”.

AMCC-NJ is supported by the Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ and PhRMA.

 

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