RX Press conference Notes 9/10/09
Press in attendance: WLUK TV 11, WBAY TV 2, WGBA TV 26, WFRV TV 5, WHBY 1150 AM, WTAQ, WOSH, Post Crescent, Time Warner Cable On Demand
Click www.wbay.com scroll down and find the video that was shown on Channel 2
Scope of Problem: JB Van Hollen- WI Atty. General:
Van Hollen started out saying that "RX drug abuse/misuse is a serial killer that needs to be taken down. (Making the comparison to Milwaukee’s recent headlines). We need to raise awareness and advise the public of the degree of the problem. This is a huge problem with a simple solution, educate youth on dangers and reduce access to non-prescribed drugs."
Legislative Efforts: Rep. Gary Sherman (D-Port Wing)
Sherman is author of a bi-partisan bill that will monitor prescription drug dispensers. He says there is "nothing political about it". Whenever a customer purchases a prescription drug they are entered into a data base. The intent is to drastically reduce "Dr. Shopping" or the practice of persons going to several pharmacies or stores to attempt to purchase prescription drugs at various locations in same time frame. 14 people died in his area of Ashland and Bayfield Counties from RX OD, non died from hard drugs overdoses. This bill has a lot of support and is on the floor for hearing Wednesday Sept 15. If passed (and he expects it to since WI is only one of 3 states that do not have such a process already) it then goes in front of senate to be heard. I asked him after the conference how can our coalition support this bill and he said that after its heard next week and on its way to Senate. We should be lobbying and writing letters and making phone calls to our senators in support.
Prevention Efforts: Jason Weber-Town of Menasha PD
Ripon traffic stops have produced bags of pills. Homes and businesses in Winnebago County are reporting burglaries and theft of pills. Realtors are alarmed that prescription pills are being stolen out of open house showing in Two Rivers. "Pharm" parties are occurring all too often in Green Bay. This is why Crime Prevention Officers in partnership with Purdue Pharm, a Drug Free America and the Drug Free Communities coalition has developed "Good Drugs Gone Bad" community toolkit. It includes presentations targeted at teens, parents of teens, and older adults as well as pharmacy security measures, posters, PSA’s and more. Coalitions and Crime Prevention officers are now working on extending materials to targeted groups. Weber will distribute tool kits at State wideCrime Prevention Conference and local coalitions plan "train the trainer" workshops to share with youth workers.
Victim Impact: Karen Falck parent of Cory McNeil (Depere HS student who died 3 years ago of Rx drugs)
This was an emotional account on how vibrant her son was. He was an athlete and a well rounded respectful youth. He got caught up in drugs, began lying to her and she was ultimately shocked to get a phone call saying he died from drug use. She is an advocate because this with this form of substance abuse "there is no time to learn from your mistakes, its too late, it kills you."
Cindy Meyers parent of 19 year old former drug user. Discussed how parents should be cautious and secure their pills, at least make kids work hard for them if they are going to steal them. Too easy to experiment.
Questions on trend: Brad Dunlap-MEG fielded press questions on upward spike of drug use and also referred to the MEG Threat Assessment
Visuals: Barry Busby-County Coroner displayed pictures of the abundant supply of prescription pills taken from homes of deceased this year alone. He explained to the press the intent of the time released products and how overdoses occur all too often when youth crush, or take pill in non-prescribed form.
For more information, contact Lisa Brown, lbrown@co.winnebago.wi.us
No comments:
Post a Comment