Local News

Rx Drugs and Heroin Abuse Focus of Town Hall Meeting


May 11, 2015

At one point or another, we’ve all used prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate an illness – whether it’s to relieve pain or curb a cough. Unfortunately, too many young people and adults are abusing these drugs for a quick high. In response to our country’s medicine abuse epidemic, the What’s right? Republic Reducing Alcohol and Drug use (RRAD) coalition is holding a town hall meeting to address this issue and receive community input on how to solve this problem at the Republic Elementary School multipurpose room, Tuesday, May 19th, at 5:30 p.m.

The event will feature short presentations by law enforcement, medical providers, family members, and people in recovery sharing information and experiences with prescription medicine abuse and heroin addiction.

Nationally, prescription drugs are the second most abused category of drugs after marijuana, with one in five young adults reporting that they have abused a prescription drug. In addition, the 2011 Monitoring the Future Survey found that 5 percent of teens have abused over-the-counter cough medicines containing the active ingredient dextromethorphan to get high over the past year. When abused in extreme excess—sometimes as much as 25 to 50 times the recommended dose—dextromethorphan can produce dangerous side effects, especially when combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or certain prescription drugs.

In 2012, 8% of Republic 8th graders indicated they had used prescription medication to get high, which sparked the development of a strategic action plan by the RRAD Coalition to reduce and prevention misuse of prescription medication by youth. The 2014 Healthy Youth Survey indicated that 5% of 10th graders had misused someone else's prescription to get high.

“Our coalition has been working to reduce, and prevent medicine abuse by teens and adults through education, community engagement, and local policy changes,” said Regina Jolley, a member of the coalition committee targeting the problem. “By bringing together parents, educators, health professionals and other concerned citizens for this community forum we hope we can prevent further tragedies involving prescription drugs or over-the-counter medicines. “

The event is part of National Prevention Week, observed annually in May. The RRAD Coalition is one of hundreds across the country holding similar events. The national campaign is a SAMHSA-supported annual health observance dedicated to increasing public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. National Prevention Week 2015 will take place May 17-23, 2015. The theme for 2015 is “The Voice of One, the Power of All.”

The Town Hall Meeting aims to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with prescription and OTC medicine abuse. A Community Resource Fair will also feature organizations who provide services and support to youth, families, and individuals in the community. There will be opportunity to learn more about or register for upcoming camps, youth programs, and community festivals. Free door prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes throughout the evening, and the Kettle River Candy Company is providing free popcorn for participants to enjoy during the event.

The Town Hall Meeting and Community Resource Fair, as well as ongoing community education efforts about underage drinking and drug abuse are just a few of the strategies used by the RRAD Coalition to promote a safe community where youth are encouraged and empowered to choose to be alcohol and drug-free to pursue their dreams and realize their full potential.  The RRAD Coalition is funded by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Behavioral Health and Recovery under the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative. Anyone interested in becoming involved in the work of the coalition is invited to attend the monthly coalition meetings held the first Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. at the Republic Presbyterian Church, 605 S. Keller Street or to contact Janine Koffel, Coalition Coordinator, at (509) 207-9174. Updates on coalition activities are also provided on the What’s Right? RRAD Coalition Facebook page.

 


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