Dear Friends,
Happy Labor Day
Labor Day is a hard won holiday that celebrates the economic achievements of American workers. Workers in America are the foundation of the well-being and economic progress our country has made. I want to wish you all a Happy Labor Day. I hope you’ll be spending a relaxing day with friends and family.
Join Me at the Fair
Tomorrow, September 4th, I’ll be at the Minnesota House of Representatives Booth in the Education Building from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. If you’re at the State Fair, please stop by and take the poll and share what issues matter most to you.
Pain Killer Abuse
I recently attended a program at the University of Minnesota that presented information on the abuse of prescription pain killers. One speaker said the problem is epidemic. The event was an extensive collaborative effort that included the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the Hazeleden Betty Ford Institute for Recovery Advocacy, the U.S. Department of Justice, and others.
Some startling statistics that were brought out by the Law Enforcement Panel were that 1 in 4 teens uses illicit drugs and that pain pills kill more than heroin and some other drugs. Many of the abusers get the pills from families and friends. The panelists suggested that drug counselors should be in schools. Demand is the problem, thus it is a public health problem.
The Pharmacy and Distribution Panel also said this is a community problem. People need to speak out when they see the abuse happening.
Patrice Salmeri is involved with providing support on college campuses, she said “Nobody should have to choose between recovery and a college education.” The problem on college campuses had been brought up several times during the day.
Commissioner Jesson closed by saying that there are opportunities to get involved and encouraged everyone to do so.
This program went from 8:00 to 5:00, so I have only given some of the highlights. For additional information, check out painpillproblem.com
As always, please feel free to contact me with any issues you may have. I hope to see you at the Fair!
Sincerely,
Sandra Masin