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For more info, please visit www.cityofpowell.com |
March 5, 2010 From 1992 to 2003 the US population increased 14%. During the same time frame, adult abuse of prescription drugs increased 81%, abuse of prescription drugs in the age group 12-17 rose 212%, and the number of prescriptions written for controlled drugs increased 150%. (From a 2005 study by the National Center for addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University) In 2004, nearly 1.3 million ER visits associated with the abuse/misuse of prescription medications. Most frequently mentioned drugs were opiates, benzodiazepines, and muscle relaxants. (From DAWN-the Drug Abuse Warning Network) From 2006-2007, Cocaine use decreased 23% (18-25 year age group), while during this same time, same age group—prescription pain killer abuse rose 12%. From 2005-2007, Methamphetamine abuse decreased 50%. The DCI/NWET saw a rmants and cooperating individuals all confirmed the lack of availability of meth, and the abundance of prescription medications available. As a community we have also experienced peripheral crimes and problems associated with prescription medication diversion, distribution, fraud and abuse such as friends, families, co-workers, acquaintances, neighbors, etc. stealing from each other. Busdramatic turn towards the illegal distribution of prescription medications in August 2006. Suspects, infoiness and home burglaries (elderly population seems to be at greater risk). Employee theft in the medical field, stolen and forged prescription pads, false reporting of stolen meds to local law enforcement and scams, ruses, and capers used to gain entry to residences. Shannon Miller, Park County Drug Court coordinator said in 2005 prescription meds replaced methamphetamine as the #2 most abused drug on their list (alcohol is always #1). In light of these sobering facts what is a person to do? First, we need to be aware of the problem that exists in our community and the danger it presents. Along with this increase in abuse there has also been a significant increase in deaths from RX over dose and long term abuse. There are also two simple steps residents can take to stem the abuse of these drugs. Those are safe storage and disposal of unneeded RX drugs. These two steps will stop your medical prescriptions from being diverted to unlawful and harmful use. The link below is to a fast fact sheet with helpful information about what types of drugs are most commonly abused.
If you have any of these types of drugs in your home store them securely where visitors to your home will not be aware of their presence or have access to them. RX thieves know all the common hiding places so somewhere under lock and key is best. When you no longer need these drugs for their prescribed medical purposes safely dispose of them immediately so they are not available for theft. The link below describes the safe and proper method for disposing of your unwanted prescription drugs:
www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/.../prescrip_disposal.pdf In an effort to assist you in making your home, neighborhood and our community safer the Powell Police have instituted a Drug Take Back Program. Bring any of your unwanted prescription drugs to the Powell Police Department and we will identify, document and dispose of these drugs for you in a lawful and safe manner. To make it even more convenient for you we also take this program out into the community to you. We will next be at the Powell Health and Safety Fair April 10, 2010 from 9 AM to 1 PM. Powell Police Officers and Pharmacy Staff from Powell Valley Healthcare will be working together to collect and safely dispose of your unwanted medications. If you are planning a future community event and would like to have a RX drug take back as part of your event contact the Powell Police to make arrangements. Through our collaborative partnership we can reduce the risk of RX drug abuse in Powell. As your neighbors we are…
Here to Serve, Tim
T. L. Feathers Chief of Police Powell Police 250 N. Clark St. Powell, WY 82435 307-754-2212 307-754-2214 (FAX)
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