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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 4, 2016 10:09 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Karen Boback |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | "Lock'Em Up Day in PA" - October 19, 2016 |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a House Resolution recognizing October 19, 2016 as “Lock’Em Up Day in PA.” Prescription drug abuse and misuse is a growing epidemic throughout the United States and in Pennsylvania. According to a research brief by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, between 2000 and 2014 there was a 225% increase in the number of hospitalizations for overdose of pain medication and a 162% increase in the number of hospitalizations for overdose of heroin. In 2014, more than 2,500 Pennsylvanians died from overdose of opioid drugs. Unfortunately, the majority of people who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends or relatives. According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 53 percent of persons aged 12 or older who used pain relievers non-medically in the past year obtained them from a friend or relative. If anyone has prescription drugs at home, they are at risk for medication diversion, which is when family members steal these prescription drugs to use for illicit purposes. Everyone can prevent medication diversion by locking up their drugs. My resolution will highlight the importance of keeping prescription opioids locked in a safe and secure location to prevent anyone else from taking them. This is a very important step in curbing the prescription drug abuse crisis. It is my hope that you will join me in cosponsoring this resolution. Thank you for your interest and support. |
Introduced as HR1070