Press Release

October 7, 2009

International Symposium Focuses on Safe Use and Disposal Prescription Drugs

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
John Martins, Director
Employee and Public Communications
(207) 287-5012

NORTHPORT – The Maine Department of Health and Human Services, the University of Maine Center on Aging and eight other partners are leading an educational effort to address the issues of prescription drug use, misuse and proper disposal of unused medication.

The 2009 International Symposium on Pharmaceuticals in the Home and Environment is scheduled for October 18-20 at Point Lookout Resort and Conference Center in Northport. Registrations are still being accepted.

The conference is designed for health and human services practitioners, educators, policy makers, law enforcement, substance abuse service professionals, providers of services to the elderly, and others who may be concerned with the potential impact prescription drugs use, misuse and disposal may have on both people and the environment.

Organizing a Drug Collection Program or Event: Practical Strategies and Tips, will be offered as a pre-conference workshop on Sunday, October 18. The symposium hits full stride on October 19, with two educational tracks running concurrently. Track A focuses on safe drug return and Track B covers prescription drugs, with a special focus on benzodiazepines, a class of medications used to treat insomnia, anxiety and stress. Experts from around the nation and the world will be presenting at this event.

Registration fees are $199 for two days; $150 for students; $119 for one day, $75 for students. The pre-conference workshop is offered at $65, $45 for students. For more information on how to register, please call Marolyn Bissonnette at 602-2589.

To get a complete schedule of workshops, please go to http://www.mainebenzo.org

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