Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders
News
NARCAN® Nasal Spray is Released as an Over- the-Counter Medication
September 7, 2023
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. has shipped its over-the-counter naloxone 4 mg nasal spray to retailers. This is the first, life-saving emergency medicine for opioid overdose available over-the-counter. Its suggested retail price will be $44.99.
KFF Tracking Poll on Substance Use & Treatment
August 16, 2023
A KFF survey found about 3 in 10 adults have been addicted to opioids or have a family member who has been addicted to them. Another finding was that less than ½ of U.S. adults with a substance use disorder (SUD) have received treatment. Another finding was about 4 in 10 adults report being concerned a family member would accidentally ingest fentanyl.
Events
October 2023
Youth Substance Use Prevention Month & Substance Misuse Prevention Month
A national observance held to promote prevention measures and science. This year celebrates the 10th anniversary of "Talk. They Hear You®" and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations' 20th Prevention Day.​
October 24-27, 2023
National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators' (NADDI) 34th Annual Conference
Join stakeholders from across the United States in Myrtle Beach, SC to partner and collaborate on discussions addressing the fentanyl crisis and an epidemic of overdose deaths. You do not need to be a NADDI member to attend.
October 28, 2023
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
This observance aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Facts
DEA collected more than 663,725 pounds of unwanted or unneeded medications during the April 22, 2023 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl.
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs.
The Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center's Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Toolkit is a resource for stakeholders engaged in prevention efforts.
Get Involved
In 2008, prescription drug overdose deaths in Wyoming were at an unprecedented and dramatic all-time high. The alarming number of deaths were impacting people of all walks of life, in every corner of our state. Unlike many other “street drugs” like methamphetamine & cocaine, prescription drug abuse was destroying and taking lives. Law enforcement, health officials, and many others were trying to understand the cause and how best to combat this emerging crisis. In response, a handful of stakeholders decided it was time to bring together the best expertise possible to help address this significant public health and safety issue. Since 2008, the Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders (RAS) members from across Wyoming have gathered to discuss the origin & scope of the problem, prevention measures and solutions, education strategies, and tools and resources to curb this serious problem. Today, with the assistance of many people throughout the State, the RAS task force diligently continues their effort to protect the people of Wyoming from the real dangers of prescription medication abuse and misuse.
If you would like information about the RAS or are interested in joining the task force, please click the link below to contact us.
Fact #1
On October 26, 2017, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared the opioid crisis a national emergency.
Fact #2
A person who takes a controlled prescription medication that was not prescribed for them by a medical professional can potentially be fined or put in jail.
Fact #3
Non-medical use of stimulants for cognitive enhancement poses potential health risks, including addiction, cardiovascular events, and psychosis.
They Didn't Know Education Campaign
The "They Didn't Know" campaign provides education on the many things teens and young adults should know about prescription drugs. Be in the know, and find out more about prescription and opioid abuse and misuse by following "They Didn't Know" at https://theydidntknowwyo.org/
