The misuse and abuse of
prescription drugs is a growing problem in the United States. In the last 10
years, the number of deaths by prescription drug abuse or has nearly quadrupled
– now the second leading cause of unintentional death. To address this issue,
the National Safety Council is partnering with the National Governors
Association on a Prescription Drug Abuse Reduction Policy Academy.
The yearlong Policy Academy will
assist governors in reducing drug abuse and misuse state-by-state through six
comprehensive and coordinated strategies. This initiative is being co-chaired
by Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. In addition
to Alabama and Colorado, five states have been selected to participate, which
include Arkansas, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oregon and Virginia.
- Making better use of prescription drug monitoring programs
- Enhancing enforcement efforts
- Ensuring proper disposal of prescription drugs
- Leveraging the state’s role as regulator and purchaser of services
- Building partnerships among key stake holders
- Promoting public education about prescription drug abuse
These strategies have been
established by leading researchers, practitioners, industry experts and
representatives of federal agencies and are intended for use by state governors
to reduce prescription drug abuse. NSC looks forward to our partnership with
NGA to help prevent these needless tragedies.