Naperville Police and Fire Team with KidsMatter to Keep Prescription Drugs out to the Wrong Hands November Social Media Campaign to Build Awareness of Proper Disposal
Deborah Newman
Nov 6, 2017 7:20 AM -
The statistics are frightening. Drug overdoses are the leading cause of injury death in the United States- 120 people die every day in this country. One in four teens misuse or abuse prescription drugs. Four out of five heroin users started with prescription drugs. "In 2016 Naperville had 37 overdoses and five deaths. So far this year we've had 56 overdoses and 12 Narcan saves," says Naperville Police Chief Bob Marshall. "Prescription drugs are a gateway. More and more young people are becoming addicted to prescription drugs, and once they can't get them anymore, they turn to cocaine and heroin. Parents need to secure their medications and clean out the unused ones to stop this cycle." That's the reason KidsMatter has teamed with the City, the Police Department and the Fire Department to send the message. Naperville is on a mission to get addictive prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of homes, off the streets and into safe-keeping. In the month of November KidsMatter will launch a social media campaign featuring local community leaders, youth leaders and a few Naperville famous alums will be launched challenging "Don't be an Accidental Drug Dealer," and featuring the hashtag #ImNotAreYou.
