3rd Annual National Event to Raise Awareness of Prescription Drug Abuse Launched

Unused, Unwanted, and Expired Medicine Disposal locations to be held Nov. 10^th Across the Country

WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On this Saturday, November 10, 2012, The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) --- a public health initiative featuring a national day of disposal of unused, unwanted, and expired medicine will be held in communities throughout the nation.

This initiative will challenge families across the United States to take the Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge:

• Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
• Secure your medicine chest.
• Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home or at an American Medicine Chest Challenge Disposal site.
• Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

According to AMCC Chief Executive Officer Angelo M. Valente, "the goal of this community based public health and disposal initiative is to inform families of the need to safely dispose of their unused, unwanted, and expired medicine at hundreds of locations across the country coordinated by local community coalitions in partnership with law enforcement. The American Medicine Chest 5-Step Challenge will help save the lives of your children," Valente said. He explained that disposal locations, both permanent and one day sites, can be found on AmericanMedicineChest.Com or through the AMCC RX Drop Mobile App."

Valente noted AMCC has over 1,000 community, government, and local law enforcement partners in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia and two Indian Nations.

"AMCC's campaign about the safe use and disposal of medicines is an important component of the multi stakeholder approach needed to combat prescription drug abuse," said Matt Bennett, Senior VP of Communications at PhRMA, AMCC's founding sponsor.

"Generic Pharmaceutical Association has been a longtime supporter of the AMCC," said Ralph G. Neas, President and CEO of GPhA. "And, is committed to working with all stakeholders to put a stop to the problem of prescription drug diversion in the United States."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has labeled prescription drug abuse an epidemic, reporting that the death toll from overdoses of prescription painkillers has more than tripled in the past decade.

AMCC is sponsored by PhRMA, Generic Pharmaceutical Association and is supported by The Partnership at Drugfree.org, American College of Emergency Physicians, Covanta Energy, and Healthcare Distribution Management Association.

SOURCE American Medicine Chest Challenge