The American Medicine Chest Challenge: Preventing Medicine Abuse by Children and Teens.

http://www.lmradar.org

"On Saturday, November 13, the Village of Larchmont and Village of Mamaroneck police departments will coordinate the American Medicine Chest Challenge, with support from Larchmont-Mamaroneck RADAR.

The American Medicine Chest Challenge is a community-based public health initiative designed to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and provide a safe and convenient disposal site for unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.  The event will take place on the same day in communities across the country, providing a unified focus on the growing issue of medicine abuse by children and teens.  

Both the Village of Larchmont and the Village of Mamaroneck will issue statements of support for the November 13th event, encouraging Larchmont and Mamaroneck residents to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge:

• Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
• Lock your medicine chest.
• Dispose of unused medicine properly in your home or conveniently at the Village of Larchmont Police Station or the Village of Mamaroneck Police Station between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.
• Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Prescription drug abuse is an increasing problem in our country. The 2007 National Study of Drug Use and Health found that 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers indicated they got them from friends or relatives; and a recent study on drug use by teens by the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) found that 1 in 9 children are abusing prescription pain relievers to get high.   Locally, Larchmont-Mamaroneck RADAR (Responsible Action: A Drug and Alcohol Resource) has conducted surveys among teens which confirm that the dangerous trend is present here.   

Larchmont Police Chief John Poleway is hopeful that the event will help parents and grandparents understand the danger that is present in their homes.  "It is critical to educate grown-ups about the very real risks to young people." 

Mamaroneck Police Chief Chris Leahy adds that in addition to creating awareness, there is a practical side to this kind of drug take-back day:  "An event like this will reduce the availability of dangerous drugs that can lead kids to addiction."

Both departments urge residents to bring unused medicines-- prescription and over-the-counter-- to either station between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm on the 13th. 

Larchmont-Mamaroneck RADAR will help publicize the event and will also provide educational materials for middle school and high school parents, explaining the risks of medicine abuse. 

The American Medicine Chest Challenge has gained the national support of PhRMA, The Partnership for a Drug-Free America, and the American College of Emergency Physicians.   Larchmont-Mamaroneck RADAR is sponsoring the local effort with funds from a Federal "Drug Free Communities" Grant."   

For more information on Larchmont-Mamaroneck RADAR, visit www.lmradar.org.