Families Challenged to Tackle Prescription Drug Abuse in New Jersey

MILLBURN, N.J., Nov. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On November 8, 2014 the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's (PDFNJ)5^th 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".

To commemorate the 5^th annual event, AMCC and Actavis will be donating permanent prescription drug collection boxes to law enforcement partners and pharmacies in communities across New Jersey. Valente noted.  He added, "Actavis' understanding of the need for families to have convenient, local, and safe disposal opportunities will help to stem the tide of the current epidemic of prescription drug abuse."

AMCC-NJ is supported by PhRMA, Actavis, and the Sheriff's Association of New Jersey.

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SOURCE Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

Related Links

http://www.drugfreenj.org

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