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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | September 19, 2018 03:03 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Karen Boback |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Lock'em Up Date in PA - October 19, 2018 |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce a House Resolution recognizing October 19, 2018 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 2016, more than 4,800 Pennsylvanians died from overdose of opioid drugs. Approximately 13 Pennsylvanians die every day from an opioid overdose. That number alone is staggering and should stop you in your tracks. Our communities need to be fully engaged if we are to defeat this lethal enemy. 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 help 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 HR1142
Memo Updated: September 19, 2018 03:04 PM