The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. (NADDI) Host 22nd Annual Educational Training Conference at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. (NADDI) will assemble on November 15 -18, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida to host its 22nd Annual Educational Training Conference specifically designed to promote cooperation between its diverse membership of law enforcement, healthcare, state regulatory and pharmaceutical manufacturing professionals in the prevention and investigation of prescription drug diversion.

Highlights of the NADDI conference include presentations from numerous educational, healthcare practitioners and regulatory administrators tackling a myriad of issues and investigative discoveries ranging from the accessibility of pharmaceutical tampering on the streets to managing transportation risks and storage of pharmaceutical drugs. Over the course of four days, NADDI conference attendees will gain valuable insights directly related to the state of prescription drug abuse; new developments surrounding investigative practices and policies; and varied entry points among pharmaceutical providers and consumers culpable to the illegal distribution of substandard, counterfeit drugs within an increasing interdependent population.

"The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators provides invaluable training and resources for drug diversion investigators around the country," stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. "I am honored to accept the 2011 Leadership Award, and I would like to thank all of the leaders, government entities and organizations that have been critical partners in the effort to stop prescription drug abuse in our nation."

Operating as a non-profit entity, NADDI's primary focus is centered on providing training and education to its diverse membership about prescription drug diversion. Recent studies conducted by NADDI in collaboration with law enforcement and health regulatory agencies state that although the number of healthcare workers being prosecuted for drug diversion negligence is relatively small, there is no single entity on a national or state level capturing this information to provide a comprehensive analysis on the issue. The age of Internet usage has also significantly increased the number of cases related to drug diversion therein serving as an easy, accessible portal to any persons seeking to engage and profit from direct trafficking of Internet prescription drugs. As of 2006, nearly 7 million Americans were abusing prescription drugs — more than the number who were abusing cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, Ecstasy and inhalants combined. That 7 million was just 3.8 million in 2000, an 80 percent increase in just six years. In an effort to curtail this type of criminal behavior within the healthcare, pharmaceutical industry and prescription dependent population, NADDI provides the necessary training, education and outreach to its core members in addition to dental and medical schools which do not currently require such knowledge of specifications in curriculum or once in practice as medical professionals.  

Speakers for this event include: Josh Bolin, Government Affairs Director for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; Allan Coukel, Director of Medical Programs at Pew Health Group; Chuck Forsaith, Corporate Director of Supply Chain Security at Purdue Pharma LP; Dr. Melinda Shelby, Ph.D, Senior Scientist for Sports Services at Aegis Sciences Corporation; Fran Diamond of NMS Labs; Joe Spillane, Pharmacist/Toxicologist at University of Florida; Demetra Antimisiaris, Assistant Professor & Director of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy at University of Louisville Department of Family & Geriatric Medicine; David Byram, Director of Public Sector at Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Dr. Hilary L. Surratt, Ph.D, Professor & Co-Director at the Center for Research on Substance Abuse & Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University; Naburan Dasgupta, MPH from the School of Public Health at University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill); and a very special luncheon presentation from keynote speaker, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.  

Since 1989, the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators, Inc. has worked diligently with law enforcement agencies, the pharmaceutical industry and health regulatory personnel to combat the ever-increasing crisis of pharmaceutical drug diversion. Through national cooperative education and training programs, shared communication with varied public parties and investigative research, NADDI has become a highly recognized asset to addressing and combating the existing nature, scope and impact of pharmaceutical drug diversion.

For more information or to register for this event, visit www.naddi.org.

About NADDI

The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) is a non-profit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the prevention and investigation of prescription drug diversion.

NADDI also sponsors and conducts specialized educational seminars and conferences.

SOURCE NADDI