Pinellas County Clamps Down on Pain Clinics
May 5, 2010
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Lana Beck (727) 828-0211 or (727) 403-7571
Pinellas County Clamps Down on Pain Clinics
(St. Petersburg, FL) In response to the increase in prescription drug-related deaths throughout Florida, Pinellas County residents asked their elected officials to push back against this epidemic at a County Commission meeting Tuesday.
Their cry for help was heard, and the Pinellas County Commission issued a moratorium on opening any new pain clinics in the county. This decision followed the passage of SB 2272, or the Pill Mill Bill that was passed by the Florida legislature last week. This moratorium will be in effect until October 2010, a date that coincides with the implementation of tougher restrictions resulting from SB 2272.
Calvina Fay, executive director of Drug Free America Foundation and a Pinellas County resident, lent her expertise to this issue. Fay said, “Florida has been battling prescription drug abuse because of the egregious prescribing practices of those who run these pay by cash pill mills that are dispensing dangerous and addictive medications. People in this county are sick and tired of watching others profit from the addiction of their loved ones. Too many people have died, and this decision couldn’t have come quickly enough.”
“Residents should also understand that this must be a joint public safety effort. Parents and caregivers need to be vigilant and lock their medications, as well as properly dispose of old medication. In order to push back against this problem, everyone must be on board!” concluded Fay.
If you would like to set up an awareness seminar for your workplace or association on this topic and/or would like to set up an interview about this issue with Calvina Fay please contact Lana Beck at (727) 828-0211 or (727) 403-7571.
Drug Free America Foundation is dedicated to fighting drug use, drug addiction and drug trafficking and to promoting effective sound drug policies, education and prevention. For more discussion please visit our blog at www.dfaf.org
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