DEA To Present Pharmacy Diversion Awareness Conference In Towson, Maryland
Event to be held April 17th & 18th
WASHINGTON - Special Agent in (SAC) Karl C. Colder of the Drug Enforcement Administration’(DEA) Washington Division announced today that the DEA will be hosting a Prescription Drug Awareness (PDAC) in Towson, Maryland. The PDAC is a part of DEA’s 360 Strategy, an overall approach to combating opioid and heroin abuse.
The PDAC is designed to assist pharmacy personnel in identifying and preventing diversion activities. The growing problem of the diversion of pharmaceutical substances has fueled the current heroin epidemic which has largely affected Southern Maryland. Diversion of pharmaceuticals can be attributed to a variety of illicit activities: forged prescriptions, illegitimate prescriptions from rogue pharmacists, and individuals who “doctor shop” in order to get the prescription filled.
The DEA 360 Strategy is a comprehensive plan to combat the deadly cycle of prescription opioid and heroin abuse impacting the nation. This strategy incorporates working hand in hand with community and social based services and healthcare professionals for long term solutions to bolster drug-free communities.
“In the last five years, deaths from heroin overdoses have more than tripled. PDAC is a key in DEA’s fight to end this tragic cycle of abuse. Creating awareness amongst healthcare professionals that a link exists between non-medical use of prescription opioid and heroin abuse will help to ensure responsible prescribing practices,” stated SAC Colder.
At the commencement of the conference, SAC Colder will present to attendees “Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict”; a documentary released by DEA and FBI in a joint effort to raise awareness of the dangers of addiction through first-hand accounts of addicts and family members.
The PDAC is free training offered to pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and loss prevention personnel employed by pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics that are registered with DEA in the state of Maryland. This one-day training will be held on April 17th and 18th at the Sheraton Baltimore North, Towson, Maryland, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To register on line, follow the link to the Conference Registration page.
