Did you know that poisoning is the #1 cause of injury-related death in America, with most of these deaths due to drug and medicine misuse and abuse? Each year, more than two million poisonings are reported to poison control centers across the country. Most of these occur in the home, with half of all non-fatal poisonings in children younger than 6.
The third week in March each year is designated National Poison Prevention Week, which is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. As part of this observance, the Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office is reminding our community about the importance of proper medication storage and disposal.
Recent trends indicate that teens and young adults are increasingly misusing prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. In fact, prescription medicines have become the most commonly abused drugs among 12 to 13 year olds.
Here in Talbot County, about 14 percent of our high school students and 4 percent of middle schoolers have taken prescription drugs without a prescription, according to the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey. More than half of those who misuse these prescriptions get them from friends or family.
We can all help prevent medicine abuse with a few simple actions:
Talk with your teen or young adult. Children who learn the risks from parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who don’t get these critical messages at home.
Safeguard your medicine. Keep your medicines locked up, and count and monitor the number of pills you have.
Properly dispose of unused medication. Take part in national drug take back day next month from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on April 28, at the Maryland State Police Barrack in Easton. Call us at 410-819-5600 for information on additional drop off locations.
If you suspect accidental poisoning, always call 911.
To learn more about how to prevent prescription drug abuse, contact Alexandra Duff, Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Supervisor at Talbot County Health Department, at 410-819-5600.
The Talbot County Health Department Prevention Office helps community groups, agencies and individuals in providing programs and activities to prevent alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, and to build a healthier community. Resources include parenting skills, video and resource loan library, awareness campaigns and educational workshops.
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