AVALON – Avalon Police Department announced that it will take part in a statewide program designed to properly dispose of unused or out of date prescription medicine.
The department will participate in “Operation Medicine Cabinet,” which encourages residents to bring their unused and unwanted prescription drugs to a central location for proper disposal.
“This is a great way to make sure that these drugs do not get into the hands of people who may abuse them,” said Avalon Police Chief David Dean.
“A recent study on drug use by New Jersey middle school students conducted by the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey found in that in half of the schools surveyed, prescription drugs are abused more than twice that of ecstasy and cocaine.”
Avalon residents will be encouraged to bring their unused and unwanted prescription drugs to the Avalon Police Department on Saturday, Nov. 14 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A 2007 study by the National Study of Drug Use and Health found that 70 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends and relatives.
Another study conducted by PDFNJ found that 47 percent of the parents of middle school students know very little about prescription drug abuse.
This “Operation Medicine Cabinet” initiative is the first of its kind in the nation.
The statewide effort is being spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division; the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General; and the Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey.
The Avalon Police Department is located at 3000 Dune Drive, in Avalon, NJ.
For more information about this statewide program, visit www.operationmedicinecabinetnj.com.
Stone Harbor – Bob Ross thank you for all your years of volunteer service to the community of Stone Harbor. A Lifelong resident And property owner. 10 years on school board, 6 years on zoning board they can't…
