Get SMART About Medicine

County Program Aims to Prevent Opioid Abuse

The epidemic of opioid misuse and abuse is not limited to any age, class, or income level. St. Mary’s County residents who are 50 and older are invited to attend a SMART Medicine presentation, hosted by the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services, on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016, at the Loffler Senior Activity Center. The presentation will take place between 10 and 11 am.

SMART Medicine is a campaign in the region designed to increase awareness of the serious rising issue of opioid misuse and abuse. Participants also will learn more about safe management and disposal of prescription medicines.

The St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services is dedicated to helping members of the community understand the importance of managing their medications. Everything from storage to disposal will be covered, because paying attention to these details can help patients take their medicines properly and keep abusers from obtaining drugs in the homes of family and friends.

The Southern Maryland region has seen a huge increase in the number of people being treated for opioid abuse, as well as a constant problem with overdoses. Opioid abuse has been recorded in all walks of life, ages, and income levels. No home is completely safe from the risk of abuse, and this epidemic has led to an enormous increase in the use of heroin by those same walks of life because heroin is less expensive and often easier to obtain.

The Department of Aging and Human Services wants to help citizens learn to help themselves avoid this situation. Attend the event on Jan. 21 to learn more about yourself and your family safe.

For more information, please contact Maryellen Kraese at [email protected] or call 301-475-4200, ext. 1681.

To learn more about the Posted for Lexington Park Business and Community Association, visit their Leader member page.