Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Initiative Launches Awareness Campaign
ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Initiative of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs, funded by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is pleased to announce the launch of the Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Campaign: "Prescription Drug Abuse – It's Not what the Doctor Ordered," to educate adults and children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the importance of safe storage and secure disposal of prescription and over the counter drugs.
The Council on Alcohol and Drugs is working with a wide range of organizations that support the Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Campaign including the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation, the Georgia Family Connection Partnership, state and federal law enforcement agencies, public and private schools, civic groups, and social organizations. Guidance for this campaign is being provided by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities/ Division of Addictive Diseases/ Office of Prevention Services and Programs.
The Campaign features its own website: http://www.stoprxabuseinga.org. Other aspects of the Campaign will include educational posters and postcards, newspaper print ads, and use of social media such as Facebook and Tweeter. The Georgia Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Awareness Campaign focuses on four priority areas established by the US Office of National Drug Control Policy:
Education. A crucial first step in tackling the problem of prescription drug abuse and misuse is educating Georgia's parents, youth, the general public, physicians, pharmacists, caretakers and others about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the appropriate and safe use, proper storage and safe disposal of prescription drugs.
Proper Medication Disposal. Encourage more convenient, environmentally responsible and safe model prescription drug disposal programs in Georgia to help decrease the supply of unused prescription drugs in the home.
Monitoring. Be a catalyst for the successful implementation of Georgia's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), also known as the Patient Safety Act, by (1) promoting its frequent utilization by physicians and pharmacists and (2) by educating Georgians about the rationale for an enhanced PDMP wherein Georgia can share data with other states.
Enforcement. Collaborate with law enforcement in Georgia to help provide it with the tools necessary to eliminate improper prescribing practices, stop "pill mills," "doctor shopping" and other similar drug-seeking behavior.
Dr. Gregg Raduka, the Program Director for the Initiative stated that the drugs that are causing the most deaths in the US today are tobacco, alcohol and prescription drugs, all of which can be obtained legally. This is not to negate the very positive effects of prescription drugs when taken appropriately.
About The Council on Alcohol and Drugs
Founded in 1969, The Council on Alcohol and Drugs is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 substance abuse prevention and education agency that develops programs and materials based on the most current research on drug use and its impact on community. The Council is an official affiliate of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The Council's Drugs Don't Work program has been the official drug-free workplace provider for the state of Georgia since 1993.
About the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
The Georgia Strategic Prevention System (GASPS), of which this Initiative is a part, is funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Division of Addictive Diseases, State Office of Prevention Services and Programs (OPSP), is a multilevel system design that aims to prevent substance use and abuse and promote healthy choices and lifestyle among Georgians by implementing sustainable evidence-based strategies. The purpose of GASPS' comprehensive model is to build capacity and infrastructure within the state, regions, and sub regions through key policy stakeholders and resources mobilization, coalition and workforce development, and research infrastructure enhancement.
About the Medical Association of Georgia Foundation
The Medical Association of Georgia is the leader in philanthropic efforts representing patients and physicians. The Foundation offers physicians, who desire to give back to their communities and their profession, an opportunity to express their true philanthropic nature. The goal of MAGF's programming is to improve the overall quality of life as well as the health and well-being of the citizens in the state. In addition to the "Think About It" Campaign (http://rxdrugaddiction.org/), the Foundation supports other projects including: the Georgia Physician Leadership Academy (GPLA), the Dancy Student Loan Fund and the Distressed Physicians Fund. Each contribution allows the Foundation to grow and better serve and educate the patient population of Georgia for healthier communities and a healthier Georgia.
SOURCE The Council on Alcohol and Drugs
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