‘Call to Action’ highlights Rx drug abuse
BY BECKY JACKSON
The Chandler Coalition on Youth Substance Abuse (CCYSA), which is a program of ICAN, hosted a community “Call to Action” recently regarding Prescription (Rx) Drug Abuse. I was shocked at the sobering statistics that were presented. There were 579 million class II-IV pills (painkillers) prescribed in AZ in 2014—that’s enough to medicate every person in Arizona roundthe-clock for two weeks straight. The Centers for Disease Control have classified Rx Drug Abuse as a national epidemic.
So who is affected? For one, our youth—and Chandler is unfortunately higher than average. According to statistics, 7.6 percent of youth in Chandler reported using Rx drugs in the last 30 days and the average for the state is 6.3 percent. What’s even more startling is that 1 in 8 who misused Rx drugs started in elementary school and 72 percent started before they could legally drive. Where are these youth getting the Rx drugs? Their parents’ medicine cabinet, or maybe grandma’s purse. In Chandler, 77.8 percent of youth who have misused Rx
drugs in the past 30 days report getting them from friends, family or right out of the home. The largest growth population of Rx drug abuse is adults aged 45-54 and even seniors because this population may be experiencing pain for the first time in their lives. Unfortunately, some become dependent, which can lead them down a dark path to illegal use and cheaper solutions for their habit. That can result in heroin addiction.
Arizona ranks 12th highest in the nation for individuals 12 years and older misusing and abusing Rx drugs. The statistics are alarming and, as a result, the Arizona Substance Abuse Partnership, along with many state and local partners, have launched a multisystemic effort to reduce prescription drug misuse and abuse in Arizona. The program was piloted in three counties where they saw a 28 percent reduction in rates of opioid-related deaths. Nonpilot counties saw a 4 percent increase. The effort centers around five core strategies: 1. Reduce illicit acquisitions and diversion of prescription drugs. What can you do? Lock up your Rx
drugs or just get rid of them! Chandler Police have drop boxes at their substations for safe disposal.
2. Promote responsible prescribing and dispensing policies and practices. What can you do? Talk to your doctors and ask them if they use the Arizona Controlled Substances Prescription Monitoring Program (CSPMP). Unfortunately, only 34 percent of prescribers in Maricopa County are signed up for the program and even less actually use the program.
3. Enhance Rx drug practice and policies in law enforcement. What can you do? Support your local law enforcers by helping keep an eye on the community—call them if you are suspicious about someone’s actions.
4. Increase public awareness and patient education and Rx drug misuse. What can you do? More than half of Arizona youth have never talked to their parents about alcohol or drugs! And the No. 2 reason Chandler teens say that they choose not to use drugs is “parent disapproval.” Yes, teens do care what their parents think, but you need to talk to them! Need some help in that area? Visit www.drugfree.org. Also, if you would like to schedule a presentation on the topic for a group
Prepare the emergency kit that is right for your family
BY COUNCILWOMAN NORA ELLEN
September is designated as “National Emergency Preparedneness Month” and every resident is encouraged to make a plan in case of an emergency. Although Arizona is not prone to natural disasters, we experience our fair share of power outages and floods, and by definition, an emergency can happen at any time, anywhere. It is our responsibility to be as ready as possible to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, including pets.
As part of my Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, I was reminded of the need to gather essential items to survive for at least three days. First responders address the needs of the most affected and vulnerable people but everyone needs to have basic supplies at hand. When an emergency occurs, it is likely
that residents lose access to convenience stores, gas stations, electricity, water supplies and maybe even cellphone reception. It is recommended to keep a backpack filled with supplies at home and a smaller version in the car. Suggested items include:
• Water and nonperishable foods are always a priority. It is recommended to store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. If the nonperishable foods include can goods, it is important to have a manual can opener available as well.
• Infant formula, prescription medications, including an extra pair of glasses and contact lenses with solution, first-aid kit and pet foods are also critical.
• Each person needs to have a clean set of clothes, toiletries and blankets or sleeping bags. It is also useful to prepare several
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flashlights with extra batteries for each family member.
• Small tools such as a pair of scissors, duct tape, gloves, protective glasses, ropes and plastic bags can come in handy if there is structural damage or if there is a need to move items in or around a house.
• Some less common items that can be very useful include a manual crank generator to power small appliances, such as radios or cellphones and bleach. Liquid chlorine bleach can be used to treat and purify water. To make water potable, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Residents can gain a better understanding
of people, please email ted@icanaz.org.
5. Enhance assessment and referral to substance abuse treatment. What can you do? Maybe you know someone who is already in trouble. Get them help! Organizations such as Community Bridges provide crisis care, along with inpatient and outpatient treatment. Need help? Call the crisis line at (602) 222-9444.
This model has proven effective at combating this epidemic in our state. CCYSA, along with Chandler Police, Dignity Health, Chandler Unified School District and our local elected officials have committed to working with the state agencies to put this plan into action in Chandler. I encourage everyone to join our crusade! Whether you take steps to educate yourself and others or step into a leadership role and volunteer to join CCYSA (learn more at www. ccysachandler.org or contact ted@icanaz. org), everyone one of us can do their part!
Becky Jackson is president and CEO of ICAN: Positive Programs for Youth.
Sources: Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, CCYSA 2014 Needs Assessment, Community Bridges
of what it takes to prepare for an emergency by enrolling in the Chandler CERT training. Not only do we learn about the role of first responders but we are encouraged to take action by getting to know our neighbors and the resources available in our neighborhoods. The federal government maintains websites aimed at informing the public about emergency readiness campaigns. Visit www.ready.gov for detailed information or call our Fire, Health & Medical Department for local initiatives at (480) 782-2116.
Councilwoman Nora Ellen can be reached at nora.ellen@chandleraz.gov. Her term ends January 2017.
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