NADDI and the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance Join Attorney General Bondi in Fight Against Prescription Drug Abuse
Organizations co-sponsor Florida Drug Take Back Day and offer resources to address public health crisis
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) and the C.A.R.E.S. (Collaborating and Acting Responsibly to Ensure Safety) Alliance(SM) have joined Attorney General Pam Bondi in addressing a serious public health issue in Florida – prescription drug abuse. Attorney General Bondi sponsored a proclamation today that makes August 27 a statewide Drug Take Back Day. NADDI and the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance are co-sponsoring the Take Back Day and invite Floridians to fight prescription drug abuse by safely disposing of unused prescription drugs at specified locations.
NADDI, an organization that focuses on drug diversion activities, has long supported drug take back initiatives. In their efforts to address the growing problem of abuse and misuse, the organization shares investigative information and works with a wide variety of organizations and law enforcement on pharmaceutical drug diversion. NADDI recently joined the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance, a coalition of ten national patient safety, provider and drug diversion organizations focused on reducing opioid pain medication abuse and increasing responsible prescribing habits.
In addition to co-sponsoring the Florida statewide Drug Take Back Day, the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance has ongoing programs and initiatives throughout the country focused on curbing prescription drug diversion, abuse and misuse. The coalition's comprehensive website (www.caresalliance.org) includes information for physicians, pharmacists, patients and their families. Physicians and pharmacists can find tools for prescribing, screening and assessing patients, and patients and their families can find tips for the safe use and handling of their medications.
The C.A.R.E.S. Alliance was created in response to the devastating impact prescription drug abuse and misuse has on communities throughout the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, prescription drug overdoses killed seven Floridians per day in 2009. The C.A.R.E.S. Alliance and NADDI believe that national, state and local cooperation is critical in bending the curve of abuse in Florida and across the country.
"We all play a role in combating abuse and misuse and improving patient and public safety," said the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance representative Herbert Neuman, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer – Pharmaceuticals for Covidien. "A successful long-term solution can be found, but only through collaboration with groups like NADDI, more focused community education and better resources for prescribers and pharmacists."
Charlie Cichon, Executive Director of NADDI, agrees with the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance's focus on collaboration. "It is unique partnerships like these that really make a difference. We believe that collaboration through this initiative and others will further our progress against illegal diversion of legitimate, prescription medicines."
On August 27, through a unique partnership, more than 70 pharmacies and law enforcement offices throughout Florida will participate in the Drug Take Back Day and will be accepting unused medications. To identify your community partners and to find the drop off site nearest you, please visit www.projectdrugdrop.com or www.caresalliance.org.
About the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance
Launched in September 2010, the C.A.R.E.S. Alliance is a coalition of ten national patient safety, provider and drug diversion organizations focused on reducing opioid pain medication abuse and increasing responsible prescribing habits. The C.A.R.E.S. Alliance was created by Covidien, a pharmaceutical manufacturer, to ensure the safe use of all medications by collaboratively developing and sharing tools and resources for all stakeholders.
About NADDI
The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the investigation and prevention of prescription drug abuse and diversion. NADDI also sponsors and conducts specialized educational seminars and conferences.
SOURCE National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI)
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