Cape Assist Launches Campaign for Proper Rx Disposal

WILDWOOD – To address the growing opioid crisis in Cape May County, the Cape May County Healthy Community Coalition, an initiative of Cape Assist and the County Prosecutor’s Office, has launched a campaign to provide resources for safe prescription disposal to dental offices cpuntywide.
According to a release, the goal is to create awareness of the importance of proper prescription disposal and to reduce inappropriate access to prescription drugs.
County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland stated that he is excited to continue to work hand-in-hand with community partners such as Cape Assist in helping battle the opioid epidemic impacting the county along with the entire country. Sutherland noted that he believes the information provided to dentists’ offices within the county regarding the safe disposal of unwanted or unused medications will help keep those medications out of the hands of someone who may abuse them and potentially save lives.
There is evidence about the link between prescription drug abuse and heroin use. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 80 percent of Americans using heroin (including those in treatment) reported misusing prescription opioids first.
In addition, more than half of prescription opioid users got their last painkillers from a friend or relative, with 40 percent paying nothing for the pills.
A 2016 Penn Medicine study suggested 100 million prescription opioids go unused annually following wisdom teeth removal.
“It’s very important that everyone is aware of safe prescription disposals so that these medications aren’t shared with friends or someone whose intent is to self-medicate or use recreationally,” stated Natalia Wilber, CMC Healthy Community Coalition Coordinator,
The coalition has reached out to dental practices in the county, and asked if they would display or distribute an informative brochure about safe prescription disposal.
Cape Assist has also offered to provide a personal prescription disposal system for patients to try.
Depending on patient feedback, the offices can purchase. Furthermore, prescription drop boxes are located at police stations throughout the county, where residents can drop off their medication any day.