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.
Recognizi...
Click here for full text