The Newport Beach Police Department, Newport Beach Public Library Teen Services and Community Service Programs – Project PATH are collaborating in an effort to bring awareness to the community about the abuse of substances found within the household and community.
The 2008 California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) report for Newport Mesa Unified School District states that 12% of 9th graders and 24% of 11th graders have misused prescription painkillers one or more times; and 10% of 9th graders and 13% of 11th graders have misused cough and cold medicines one or more times in their lifetime. Reports from Partnership for a Drug Free America have shown that teenagers are now abusing some of the most common household medications, but many parents and community leaders remain unaware this is happening or even how easily teens can access the prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
The purpose of this Community Briefing is to increase awareness about the prevelance, dangers and misconceptions of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, discuss how these substances affect the community and provide participants with solutions and strategies to reduce the problem at home and in their community.
