Transcript Assessing Problem

Assessing Problem
• 2006, Medical Examiner noticed increase in Rx
Drug deaths.
• ME presented data/findings to legislature and
Dept of Health received 1x funding to address
• Concurrently, SEOW reviewed epi data and
prioritized Rx Drugs as statewide substance
abuse issue
Addressing Problem
• Dept of Health(UDOH) commenced a brief media
campaign in 2007
• Collaboration among state and local agencies to
focus on impacting Rx Drug abuse
– Governor, DEA, UDOH, Legislature, Law Enforcement,
local substance abuse agencies, coalitions, citizens,
Dept of Environmental Quality, DCFS, Attorney
General
• Utah Pharmaceutical Drug Crimes Project
(UPDCP) is one state level collaboration. New
media campaign – www.UseOnlyAsDirected.org
What has Utah Done
• Utah County coalition (SMART) engaged a state
Representive who ended up sponsored several bills – all of
which were passed. The ideas for these bills came directly
from coalition members
• Legislation requires all prescribers (new and renewed) to
attend 4 hours of substance abuse classes; new prescribers
who receive a license must register with Utah’s PMP (called
CSDB); designated April as Clean out Cabinet Month in
Utah; and one resolution encouraging Safe Storage, Use
and Disposal
• Through local coalitions, successful take back events
collected 6,550 lbs of Rx Drugs
• Collaboration between Dept of Environmental Quality, law
enforcement and local coalitions has set up permanent
disposal sites