Event to focus on prescription drug abuse, disposal

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University students have teamed up with St. Joseph and Kalamazoo counties to stage an awareness-raising event on campus dealing with the abuse of prescription drugs and the need to properly dispose of these medications.

The educational event, which will include games and giveaways, is set for 1:30  to 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at the Campus Flagpoles near the Lee Honors College Building on the main campus. A WMU map is available at wmich.edu/maps.

The St. Joseph County Substance Abuse Taskforce, Kalamazoo Substance Abuse Task Force and WMU Student Substance Abuse Work Group will be providing information about prescription drug abuse in southwest Michigan, how the region's residents can keep their prescriptions safe and how to properly dispose of prescription drugs once the medications are no longer needed.

Area officials report that prescription drug abuse is a growing trend, especially among youth and young adults. After marijuana and alcohol, these drugs are the most commonly abused substances by Americans age 14 and older, but medication that is not taken as directed can be just as dangerous as an illegal substance.

Officials urge people to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs sitting in home medicine cabinets, as they may be misused or diverted—often by family and friends—or be the cause of accidental poisonings and overdoses. They also note that proper disposal does not involve using Americans' usual methods of flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash.

Direct questions about the campus event to Rosemary Andrews, WMU graduate student in social work, at rosemary.l.andrews@wmich.edu or (269) 569-4106.

For more information, visit the St. Joseph County Substance Abuse Task Force's Facebook page at facebook.com/sjtaskforce.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.