Safe Rx: The Campaign for Responsible Prescriptions

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2012

Florida communities have been facing an epidemic. Prescription drug misuse has infiltrated cities, neighborhoods, and families. In response to an epidemic that takes the lives of at least seven Floridians a day, Sarasota County Health and Human Services joined together hospitals and health departments in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties to address prescription drug misuse by utilizing a multi-faceted, strategic prevention approach. Safe Rx: Campaign for Responsible Prescriptions was unveiled with an extraordinary press event involving 16 health department and hospital CEO’s signing a proclamation for 2011 as “The Year of the Campaign for Responsible Prescriptions.” The momentum continued with Safe Rx education events throughout the region, which trained over 450 local medical professionals on safe medication disposal methods and the dangers of over-prescribing. As a result, medical professionals in Sarasota County are registering for the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program at the highest rate in the state and using the system to help protect their patients and their practices. Sarasota County is ahead of the curve and leading the way in tackling prescription drug misuse head on.