House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

The abuse of prescription drugs is a serious social and health problem in the United States, having been declared a public health epidemic. Drug overdose has become the leading cause of accidental death in the nation. Many addicts are acquiring controlled substances from other people's medicine cabinets.

We can prevent unused, excess medications from falling into the wrong hands by working with the public to promote proper disposal practices. In 2014, the United States Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration finalized regulations expanding collection sites for controlled substances to include not only law enforcement, but also certain registrants such as pharmacies. My legislation will allow for this collection and disposal of drugs by pharmacies within Pennsylvania.

Many individuals feel more comfortable using a pharmacy rather than a law enforcement facility as a collection site. Pharmacies are safe and convenient locations for the disposal of unused controlled substances; therefore I ask that you join me in allowing them to provide this important service to their communities.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my Harrisburg office at 717-705-1925.