Coalition Updates- October 2010

Hello Coalition Members & Community Partners!

Hope that you are enjoying this warm fall day- just wanted to share the latest coalition news & upcoming events. Read on for the latest coalition news & upcoming events!

Heather Markonich has resigned from her staff role as Coalition Coordinator and accepted a position with the Rawle & Henderson legal firm here in Wheeling. We are sorry to see her go, but wish her the best of luck in her new endeavors. Please let me know if you would like Heather's contact information to send her a card, etc. We will be hiring a new Coalition Coordinator soon- stay tuned for details about the job posting & interview process...

National Youth Leadership Initiative (NYLI): We received several applications from Ohio Co. students and will be taking about 3 to 5 WPHS youth to the first training in Canaan Valley from Nov. 4- Nov. 7. This is an exciting opportunity for youth to get involved as real community change agents with our coalition. **Julia Charvat is currently serving as the NYLI Adult Mentor working and traveling with the group but she NEEDS your help! Please contact Julia if you are interested in serving as an NYLI Adult Mentor! This is a great opportunity to work with youth on ground-breaking social change efforts!**

The American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) is coming up on Saturday, November 13th from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the City-County Bldg (1500 Chapline St. Wheeling, WV) . Please spread the word to your friends, families & neighbors that there will be another one-day Rx take-back event where community members can safely dispose of their prescription medications- no questions asked! We are glad to be partnering once again with the Wheeling Police Dept. on this timely event! Check out www.americanmedicinechest.com to see an interactive map of Rx disposal sites across the country (Wheeling, WV is one of 6 authorized AMCC sites in WV).

Upcoming Meetings: community participation is essential in planning & implementing evidence-based prevention strategies! We invite community members to have a seat at the table. Currently, most of our meetings are scheduled during the "lunch break" of a week-day (12:30 PM at YSS Hazel-Atlas Bldg), but feel free to set up another time to meet with me in person or by phone if you cannot make these meetings. We are always looking for new leadership and members to make their voices heard. Mark your calender:

• Monday, November 1: Social Marketing Taskforce (SMarT) Meeting
• Tuesday, November 9: Steering Committee Meeting
• Wednesday, November 17: Underage Drinking Prevention Subgroup (UPS) Meeting
• Mon., December 6 & Tues., December 7: Communities Mobilizing for Change on Alcohol (CMCA) Training at Grand Vue Park in Marshall Co.- FREE 2-DAY TRAINING (10 Am to 3 PM both days) WITH LUNCH PROVIDED! If you're interested in community organizing & underage drinking prevention, this is a fantastic opportunity you will NOT want to miss!!

As always- feel free to contact me for further information or to get involved with coalition events and activities! I am excited to collaborate with you on another year of our Drug Free Communities action plan to increase community collaboration and reduce substance abuse in Ohio County. If we combine our efforts and resources, we will truly be able to make a difference in the lives of our youth and families!

In solidarity,
Julia

American Medicine Chest Challenge

An alarming number of Ohio County youth are intentionally abusing prescription medicines to get high. The 2007 study by the National Study of Drug-Use and Health found that 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives. A recent study on drug use by of teens by the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) found that 1 in 9 children are abusing prescription pain relievers to get high.

To help combat this growing threat to our nation’s children, the United States Senate has deemed October 2010 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Here in Ohio County, we’re taking things even further by hosting the American Medicine Chest Challenge (AMCC) on November 13, 2010. Residents can find a local collection site on www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com or dispose of their medicine at home, following the guidelines on the site.

AMCC a nationwide public health initiative that challenges residents to take the five step Medicine Chest Challenge:

• Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
• Lock your medicine chest.
• Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home or at an American Medicine Chest Challenge Disposal site.
• Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

A local effort is being spearheaded by the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (OCSAPC) and the Wheeling Police Department (WPD).

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in our country, and the easiest way to combat it is to properly dispose of your old medicine. AMCC is the best way to do just that, so on November 13th, we ask all Ohio County residents to dispose of your unused, unwanted or expired medicine at the OFFICIAL OHIO CO. AMCC DISPOSAL SITE:

City-County Building
1500 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003

HOURS: 10 AM - 2 PM

For more information, please visit http://www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com/.

Got Drugs? Turn them in for safe disposal on SAT. SEPT 25!!

This Saturday is the day to drop your drugs! Click image above or contact your local law enforcement center to find the DEA-authorized collection site near you. There will be two (2) collection sites in Ohio County:

WV State Police Detachment: 2600 Eoff St. Wheeling (near Jebbia's)

Triadelphia Volunteer Fire Dept: 292 National Rd. Triadelphia

• Free service- one day only! Volunteers will be on hand with informational materials and free pill boxes as supplies last.
• Anonymous- no questions asked! Only legal substances will be collected.
• NOT ACCEPTED: IV solutions or needles will NOT be collected due to risk of blood-borne pathogens

Ohio Co. Coalition Receives 2nd Year of Drug-Free Communities Funding

A second year of the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grant funding though the Office of National Drug Control Policy has recenntly been awarded to the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (via Youth Services System, Inc.). This grant is one of $63 million in Continuation grants simultaneously released to 549 currently funded DFC coalitions and seven DFC Mentoring Continuation coalitions. These grants provide community coalitions needed support to prevent and reduce youth substance use.

"Action at the community level—in school rooms, community centers, churches and at kitchen tables—can help drive rates of substance abuse down," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. "SAMHSA is pleased to join the Office of National Drug Control Policy in supporting communities that are bringing people together to create healthy and drug free environments for children."

The Drug Free Communities program is directed by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, in partnership with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The DFC program provides grants of up to $625,000 over five (5) years to community coalitions that facilitate citizen participation in local youth drug prevention efforts including prescription drug diversion and prevention initiatives and underage drinking programs. Coalitions are comprised of community leaders, parents, youth, teachers, religious and fraternal organizations, health care and business professionals, law enforcement, and the media.

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DEA Heads National Rx Drug Take-Back Day to be Held Saturday, Sept. 25th

AUG 19 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Drug Enforcement Administration and government, community, public health and law enforcement partners today announced a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative that seeks to prevent increased pill abuse and theft. DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction at sites nationwide on Saturday, September 25 th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.

Learn more about preventing prescription drug abuse at Take Care WV: http://www.takecarewv.org/.

Find a DEA-sponsored "Take Back" collection site near you: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/takeback/

Look for more details coming soon about how the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition will collaborate with local law enforcement and community members in our community!

Ohio County- It's Time to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinets!

Rx Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, August 07, 2010 - 10am-2pm

The Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in association with the Wheeling
Police Department will be hosting a Prescription Drug Take Back Day!

Bring your expired, unwanted or unused medicine to the following location for safe disposal:

City of Wheeling Operations Center (Clator)
I-70, Exit 2B, 10 Hunter Ave - Wheeling, WV 26003

WPD Officers and coalition volunteers will be on hand to help you dispose of your Rx drugs safely- please take advantage of this FREE service!

Need more information?
O.C.S.A.P.C. at 304-233-2045 ext 305 or
Wheeling Police Dept. at 304-234-3661

Saturday, August 7th: Rx Drug Drop!!

To all Ohio County residents:

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

The day to get rid of your stash!

It's time to get rid of your unused, unwanted and expired medicine.

More details coming soon...!

This event is organized by the Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and the Wheeling Police Department.

International Day Against Drug Abuse (June 26)

Today, as most of us know, marks the one-year anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. The "King of Pop" was well known around the world not only for his talents, but also for his infamous battles with with drug dependence and addiction. Incidentally, tomorrow (Saturday, June 26th) is the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. For many years, countries around the world have participated in the June 26 observance of the International Day Against Drug Use. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987, this day serves as a reminder of the goals agreed to by Member States of creating an international society free of drug abuse.

Whether or not you are a fan of Michael Jackson's music, no one can deny the tragedy of his singer's untimely death and the painful loss to Jackson's family, friends and fans. Unfortunately, the devastating consequences of substance abuse not only hit the celebrity world, but are becoming more of a reality for everyday folks in our communities. The difference is often that access to early intervention, treatment and recovery options for those facing drug dependence or addiction is often expensive and inaccessible for those most in need. Although drug abuse has taken a serious toll on communities around the world, there is hope in substance abuse prevention.

Community coalitions across the country are working to change local conditions which perpetuate alcohol abuse, marijuana use, prescription drug abuse and other concerns. By focusing on evidence-based prevention strategies, such as supporting underage drinking compliance checks, increasing access to treatment and recovery support through drug courts or raising awareness of the harm of sharing prescription drugs, coalitions CAN make a difference.

Preventing substance abuse before it begins is the best way to strengthen our communities and invest in our youth. Research has shown not only which prevention interventions work, but also that prevention is cost-effective. Now, communities and states are using data-driven decision-making as they decide which evidence-based programs, practices, and policies work best to keep their citizens healthy. Prevention begins at home- get involved with your local prevention coalition today!

Tobacco tax would bring in $117 million in new revenue, reduce youth smoking

CHARLESTON, W.Va., June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new poll released today shows that 63 percent of West Virginia voters support raising the tobacco tax by $1 per pack to help address budget shortfalls and reduce youth smoking.

This support comes from a broad-based coalition of voters, including 61 percent of Republicans, 65 percent of Democrats, and 62 percent of Independents. In addition, voters from around the state and across every demographic group strongly support the tobacco tax increase.

"Now is the time for legislators to listen to the large majority of West Virginia voters who want to raise the tobacco tax instead of cutting critical programs. These results show that, regardless of party, voters across West Virginia understand raising the tobacco tax is a smart way to address budget shortfalls and debt while protecting our kids from tobacco," said Chuck Hamsher of the American Heart Association. "Raising the tobacco tax is a win, win for West Virginia."

The survey of 500 registered West Virginia voters was released by the Coalition for a Tobacco Free West Virginia, which includes the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

West Virginia voters also express a preference for candidates who support the tobacco tax. By a margin of 55 percent to 33 percent, voters opt for a candidate who supports the tax over one who opposes it. The preference for candidates who support the tobacco tax holds for Democrats, independents, and Republicans.

"Clearly, West Virginia voters view the tobacco tax as different than other taxes," commented Mark Mellman whose firm conducted the poll. "Far from punishing policy-makers who support the tobacco tax, they are more likely to reward them."

West Virginia voters strongly prefer the tobacco tax over other options for addressing the state's budget woes. When presented with a list of options for closing the budget gap 58% percent support increasing the tobacco tax for this purpose, while a majority opposed other options such as increasing state sales, income, or gasoline taxes, and reducing funding for health care, education, or nursing home care. Increasing the alcohol tax was the only other proposal to garner majority support.

A recent report by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and other public health organizations found that a $1 increase in West Virginia's tobacco tax would raise $117 million in new annual revenue for the state, despite the declines in smoking it would help bring about. The tax increase would also prevent 19,100 West Virginia kids from smoking, save 9,500 state residents from premature, smoking-caused deaths and save $458 million in tobacco-related health care costs (for more information, go to www.tobaccofreekids.org/winwinwin). These health benefits would be even greater if some portion of the tax is used to fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which are underfunded in West Virginia. Three-fourths of voters in the poll support funding prevention efforts at the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

West Virginia's current cigarette tax is 55 cents per pack, which ranks 44th in the nation and is well below the national average of $1.44 per pack.

The survey was conducted by the polling firm The Mellman Group. The statewide poll has a random sample of 500 registered West Virginia voters and was conducted May 8 to May 11, 2010. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percentage points.

Take Care WV Campaign (WTOV9 News Story)

Take Care WV Campaign Launched to Address RX Abuse in WV

Check out Friday's WTOV9 news story featuring Ohio County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition member Sgt. Don Miller and Community Educator Heather Markonich:
W.Va. Campaign Takes Aim At Prescription Drug Abuse Among Youth - News Story - WTOV Steubenville (Friday, June 4, 2010)

Everyone knows drugs are dangerous. But did you know that sharing prescription drugs can be just as dangerous and deadly too? Sharing prescription drugs is also illegal.

Data indicate social access (sharing) is a major contributor to the misuse of prescription drugs. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, most prescription drug abusers obtain their drugs from family and friends. In WV, 64% of nonmedical users of pain relievers reported getting the most recently used drug from a friend or relative for free, and another 7.6% reported buying them from a friend or relative.

How can YOU prevent RX abuse?
-Please don’t share prescription drugs. Only take RX medication as advised by your doctor.
-Learn more and view/listen to/download the PSAs by visiting www.takecarewv.org. Share links to the website via email and social networking sites.
-Participate in your county’s forum/discussions about RX abuse. County prevention contacts are available at www.PrevNET.org.
-Encourage your local media/businesses/schools/civic groups to run the PSAs as much as possible on their stations/websites, in their publications/newsletters, etc.