The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) is raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse and encouraging safe disposal of prescription drugs through the American Medicine Chest Challenge – New Jersey (AMCC-NJ) National Day of Awareness being held this Saturday.
AMCC-NJ is a community-based national public health initiative held in partnership with law enforcement partnership, with collection sites throughout New Jersey. To find a collection site, visit the American Medicine Chest Challenge website at www.americanmedicinechest.com/.
The AMCC-NJ National Day of Awareness, now in its 12th year, provides a unified way to draw attention to the issue of prescription and over the counter abuse and challenge Americans to take the American Medicine Chest 5 Step Challenge.
“During these trying times it is more important than ever that we safeguard our homes and families from the danger of prescription drugs and the opioid crisis,” Angelo Valente, executive director of PDFNJ, said in a press release. “The American Medicine Chest Challenge 5 Step Challenge can help save the lives of our children. We know that many teens who misuse opioids get them from the medicine cabinet of their friends and families, so it is crucial for people to safeguard medicine within their homes.”
The AMCC-NJ 5 steps include:
Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
Secure your medicine.
Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine at an American Medicine Chest Disposal Site.
Do not share medicine prescribed to you.
Talk to your children and physician about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. They are listening. For tips visit the Partnership to End Addiction, NIDA, and Stop Medicine Abuse.
“The AMCC-NJ can save lives and we encourage everyone to take the time to secure your home chest today,” Valente said.
