News

Did you know…?

People often share their unused pain relievers, unaware of the dangers of nonmedical opioid use.

Of the 21.5 million Americans 12 or older that had a substance use disorder in 2014, 1.9 million had a substance use disorder involving prescription pain relievers and 586,000 had a substance use disorder involving heroin.

In an effort to address the opioid epidemic impacting our county, state, and country, the Abington Community Library, located at 1200 West Grove Street in Clarks Summit, is hosting two public events, supported by the Lackawanna County Medical Society and Pennsylvania Medical Society.

Event #1 – “The Drug Problem Lurking in Your Home!” – October 12th at 7pm at the Abington Community Library – LCMS Member, Dr. William Dempsey will be discussing prescription drugs and the need to ensure that the appropriate safeguards are in place to protect against opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion.  Dr. Dempsey specializes in family practice and emergency medicine. He works at the Wright Center for Primary Care – Mid Valley Clinic in Jermyn. He is a member of the PA Medical Society’s opiate task force and serves on the PA Department of Health’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program’s Advisory Board.

Event #2 – “National Take-Back Initiative of Prescription Drugs Event” – October 22nd from 10am-2pm at the Abington Community Library – Pills for adults and pets may be surrendered for safe and proper disposal at this event. The disposal service is free and anonymous for consumers, no questions asked, and will be supervised by the Clarks Summit Police Department. For patients living, working, or traveling further down the valley, Taylor Community Library (710 South Main Street, Taylor) will also be hosting a “National Take-Back Initiative of Prescription Drugs Event” on Saturday, October 22nd from 10am–2pm.