Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stating national prescription drug overdose rates have reached epidemic levels. According to the Pennsylvania Youth Survey in 2021, 3.4% of Adams County youth report pain reliever abuse. Due to the increase in prescription drug overdoses, there are more fatalities in the United States related to drug overdoses than car crashes. Since 2003, there have been more overdose deaths related to prescription opioid analgesics than to heroin, cocaine, hallucinogens like LSD, and inhalants combined.
For every one overdose death related to opioid pain relievers, there are nine treatment admissions, 30 emergency department visits for misuse / abuse, 118 people with abuse and dependence, and almost 800 past year non-medical users.
Everyone can help prevent prescription drug abuse by properly securing and disposing of expired and unused medicines at home or by turning them in year-round at one of the 12 permanent Medication Return Box locations in the county.
Committed volunteers and entities, including, but not limited to, various Adams County Police Departments, Biglerville Hose & Truck Co. #1, Gettysburg Housing Authority, McSherrystown Moose Lodge, the Adams County Overdose Awareness Task Force, and Collaborating for Youth are partnering to curb the misuse / abuse of medicine. We urge you to dispose of unused or expired medications, including pet meds, at a local collection site on Saturday, April 27, from 10 AM – 2 PM. You may also contact Collaborating For Youth, at 717-338-0300 for details, including volunteer opportunities prior to the event.