The American Medicine Chest Challenge

Oxford, NJ: Oxford Central is hosting Medicine Chest Challenge

Oxford Central is hosting Medicine Chest Challenge

An alarming number of Warren County youth are intentionally abusing prescription medicines to get high.

A study by the National Study of Drug-Use and Health found that 70 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives.

To help combat this growing threat to our nation’s children, the United States Senate has deemed October 2011 as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Here at Oxford Central School, we’re hosting the American Medicine Chest Challenge 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12. Residents can bring their unused, unwanted medications here, can find another local collection site, go towww.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com (or dispose of their medicine at home, following the guidelines on the site).

You can take the five-step Medicine Chest Challenge:

-- Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

-- Secure your medicine chest.

-- Dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine in your home or at an American Medicine Chest Challenge Disposal site.

-- Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.

-- Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

The Oxford Central School effort is being spearheaded by the Washington Township Police Department and the Oxford Municipal Alliance.

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in our country, and the easiest way to combat it is to properly dispose of your old medicine. Help keep our children safe!

For more information, please visit www.americanmedicinechestchallenge.com.

ROBERT MAGNUSON

Chief School Administrator

Oxford Township School District