National "Take Back Your Medicine" event September 29
A fast and anonymous way to safely get rid of unwanted medicines

(Port Orchard) - Kitsap County Substance Abuse Prevention Services joins the Partnership for a Drug-Free America in their Medicine Abuse Project, a campaign to end medicine abuse among teens by co-sponsoring the National Take back Your Medicine Event.

Medicine abuse is a growing problem among teens in the U.S., with one in six teens taking medicine to get high or change their mood. The goal of the Medicine Abuse Project is to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine by educating the community on how to safeguard their medicines and talk to teens about this issue. As part of the Medicine Abuse Project, Kitsap County Prevention Services encourages individuals to sign the Pledge at MedicineAbuseProject.org, to make a commitment to get educated and do your part to control medicine abuse.

“At Kitsap County, we understand that medicine abuse is a serious issue that is affecting a generation,” said Laura Hyde, Prevention Specialist. “We decided to take action and join this important effort because we are passionate about Kitsap County’s health and welfare.” As a leader in Substance Abuse Prevention, Kitsap County understands that the need to take action is crucial. Prescription medicines and over-the-counter cough medications have become the most commonly abused drugs among 12 to 13 year olds. Cleaning out medicine cabinets and securing medications will reduce medicine abuse among teens, by making sure they are unable to access them easily.

The Medicine Abuse Project launches the week of September 23rd, with a lead up to the National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, September 29th, where the Drug Enforcement Administration and their state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners will collect unwanted medicines in locations across the country. To join the effort, bring your unwanted medicine to the Sherriff’s Office at the Kitsap Mall and Port Orchard Police Department and take the pledge to stop medicine abuse at http://medicineabuseproject.org/.