Representatives from the NOPE Taskforce gave a poignant and pertinent presentation at the Parent Council meeting this week. NOPE was formed to combat the illegal and dangerous use of prescription narcotics and other abused substances. Around the room at the Rydal East Elementary School library NOPE posted large blowup photographs and ages of young people who died from drug overdoses.
The presentation was a program of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office. Speakers included Ronelle Yanuzzi, Bridget Marley, Deputy Sheriff Joe Holman, and parent Trisha Stouch – the mother of Pamela Stouch, who succumbed to drug overdose.
Ms. Marley presented facts about drug overdoses, including that 136 people died due to overdoses in Montgomery County so far in 2016. She stated that there were 23.4% more deaths related to drug overdose in 2015 than in 2014. She explained Act 139 of the Pennsylvania legislature, also known as “David’s Law,” that permits friends or family members with a loved one at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose to obtain a prescription from their doctor for naloxone (brand name – Narcan) and administer it. The law also provides, in many situations, for Good Samaritan and other protections from criminal prosecution for those responding to and reporting an opioid overdose. Ms. Marley said “Be a hero” — report a suspected overdose – call 911.
Ms. Stouch presented excerpts from her daughter’s journal as she struggled with drug addiction. She posited that this “disease” cannot be combated without education.
Ms. Yanuzzi implored parents to control the availability of prescription drugs in their home, keeping them from being available to young people. She encouraged parents to use a drug ‘lockbox” for their prescription drugs, illustrating one, and also encouraged parents to discard unused drugs at any police department in Montgomery County, where there are drug drop boxes.
The speakers distributed a booklet that contained photographs of commonly abused pharmaceuticals as well as important information. Deputy Holman provided a slide presentation covering underage drinking, national data on overdoses, how to keep children from abusing prescription medications, signs of drug use and overdose, what to do if a parent suspects their child is using drugs, and “survival tips” for parents.
The NOPE Taskforce also provided student presentations this week for 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students.
A discussion followed the formal presentation at Parent Council. For more information, contact NOPE at www.NOPEtaskforce.org or toll-free at1-866-612-NOPE.
