From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Resolution in support of a collaborative effort between the City of Grand Prairie and the Grand Prairie Police Department with the "Drop the Drugs" program founded by Dr. Monica Anderson and the designation of May, 7, 2019 as "Drop the Drugs Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Day"
Presenter
Steve Dye, Deputy City Manager / Chief of Police
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Command Staff of the Grand Prairie Police Department has long recognized the pervasive problems related to the illegal use of narcotics and its negative effects on crime and the quality of life in the City of Grand Prairie. Staff also recognized the often overlooked problem related to prescribed drugs and medications that are misused and abused causing a tertiary issue negatively affecting the health and safety of the community. Because of the progressive and innovative approach to enhancing the quality of life in the community, the Grand Prairie Police Department became the first agency in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to introduce the Medication Disposal Program. This innovative program, which is a free and anonymous service, has been so successful that several agencies across the Metroplex have adopted its use.
Dr. Monica (Moe) Anderson, a local dentist and member of the American Dental Association’s Institute for Diversity in Leadership, also recognized the link between the abuse and misuse of prescription drugs to the opioid addiction epidemic in the community. In response to this crisis, Dr. Anderson collaborated with other healthcare providers to create a community awareness program called “Drop the Drugs.” The program’s three strategic objectives are: prevent poisoning / overdose, prevent addiction, and protect the environment. Dr. Anderson also believes that the success of her initiative is dependent on inter-organizational collaboration between local governments, law enforcement agencies and other policy making bodies.
Recognizing the continuous need to collaborate with community stakeholders, Staff encourages and supports the collaboration between the City and the “Drop the Drugs” program which includes the designation of May 7, 2019 as Drop the Drugs Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Day.”
The Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee reviewed this item on May 6, 2019 and recommended it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Financial Consideration
None
Body
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, IN SUPPORT OF A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT BETWEEN THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE AND THE GRAND PRAIRIE POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE “DROP THE DRUGS” PROGRAM FOUNDED BY DR. MONICA ANDERSON AND THAT MAY 7, 2019 BE DESIGNATED AS “DROP THE DRUGS SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY.”
WHEREAS; over-the-counter and prescription medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration have been determined to be safe and effective when used properly;
WHEREAS; the misuse or abuse of any medications can be extremely dangerous and produce side effects and the Addiction Policy Forum reports, on average, 174 people pass away from drug overdoses daily;
WHEREAS; Safe Kids Worldwide states medications found in the home are the leading cause of child poisonings and 1 in 4 teenagers has abused prescription drugs obtained from family and friends, it is critical to alert all citizens about substance misuse and abuse;
WHEREAS; the Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse is the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified medicine abuse as an epidemic;
WHEREAS; Drop the Drugs is a community education and awareness campaign sharing vital information to prevent substance abuse before it starts;
WHEREAS; Drop the Drugs promotes the message that over-the-counter and prescription medicines are to be taken only as labeled or prescribed, and that using such medicines for nonmedical reasons can cause serious or life-threatening consequences;
WHEREAS; Drop the Drugs encourages citizens to securely store needed medicine and promptly dispose of unused, unneeded and expired medication using authorized, ongoing take-back programs;
WHEREAS; Drop the Drugs is seeking to protect the environment by providing information about the danger posed to water sources and wildlife by the improper disposal of medications in the trash or drain;
WHEREAS; substance abuse prevention education programs are critical components of committed coalitions working to maintain safe, healthy communities; and
WHEREAS; the Drop the Drugs program partners with the Grand Prairie Police Department’s Medication Disposal Program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. the City Council of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, hereby supports the ongoing collaboration between the City, Police Department and the Drop the Drugs program;
SECTION 2. the City Council of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, hereby supports the urging of the community in the City of Grand Prairie to carry out appropriate programs and activities to educate all citizens of the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse;
SECTION 3. the City Council of the City of Grand Prairie, Texas, hereby designates the date of May 7, 2019 as “Drop the Drugs Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness Day.”
SECTION 4. this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in accordance with the Charter of the City of Grand Prairie and it is accordingly so resolved.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 7th DAY OF MAY, 2019.