FACTS:
According to the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), every day, 2,500 youngsters age 12 to 17 try a painkiller for the first time, and teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug except marijuana.
A vast array of pharmaceuticals—including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones—have been
found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41
million Americans, according to an Associated Press investigation. In the course of a five-month inquiry, the AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking
water supplies of 24 major
metropolitan areas—from
Southern California to
Northern New Jersey,
from Detroit to Louisville.
(USA Today, 3/11/08)
What is O:MC?
O:MC is a professional, comprehensive, pre-packaged public safety and environmental awareness program designed to prevent the misuse and abuse of unwanted over-the-
counter and prescription medications, and keep them out of communities’ water supplies.
Designed for easy and affordable implementation, the O:MC package includes professional event planning and management, use of Parsons Public Relations trademark logo,
customized marketing and promotional materials, and media relations.
Why is O:MC important?
Drug Abuse and Misuse
O:MC keeps unwanted medications out of the wrong hands. Medicines left unattended
or disposed of carelessly are a danger, whether it’s accidental ingestion by people or pets, illegal use or theft, or identity theft from discarded containers with patient information.
Environmental Hazards
O:MC protects the environment and prevents pollution by helping communities properly dispose of unused medications. Studies show that flushing medications down the toilet
or sink drain contaminates water supplies and endangers aquatic life in our rivers and
streams; wastewater facilities aren’t designed to remove pharmaceutical chemicals.
O:MC not only educates the public about the hazards of improper medication disposal, but helps citizens get involved in making a difference in their communities.
For more information, email omc@parsonsinc.net or call 888-434-4777.
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