SECAUCUS – The Secaucus Coalition for a Healthy and Drug Free Community, a community-based organization focused in teen’s substance abuse prevention efforts, is preparing to launch a media campaign in Secaucus to raise awareness about the importance of proper disposal of prescription medicines.
Based on a survey conducted by the Hudson County Coalition for Drug Free Communities in 2014, at least 6% of teens in Secaucus used prescription drugs to get high in the past year. Of those students who participated in the survey, 28 percent indicated that they obtained these prescription drugs from their own home or a friend’s home without permission.
Opioid abuse has become an epidemic throughout the nation, drawing the attention of health and government officials. At the national level, President Obama passed a proclamation on Aug. 31 to pronounce September 2015 as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. He went on to say: “I call upon the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
To continue raising awareness about this issue, ads will be placed around Secaucus reminding community members about the drop box available at town hall where medications can be dropped off without questions asked. Marra’s Drug Store, a local pharmacy, has been an active supporter, helping spread the message by placing posters at their business and also starting to use prescription drug bags that offer messages about the risk of addiction.
All local businesses and individuals can support community efforts to raise awareness about opioid and prescription drug abuse. Everyone is welcome to attend monthly coalition meetings the third Wednesday of the month at the Secaucus Community Center to find out more about how to support these initiatives. For more information about the coalition and for proper medication disposal, visit drugfreesecaucus.org or call (201) 330-2000 ext. 3164.
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