1. Q. How many people abuse prescription drugs in Utah County?
A. 9% of residents in a countywide phone survey said they had used medication in a way that was not intended by their doctor (2009).
2. Q. Why is is holding onto leftover pain medication discouraged?
A. Merely having leftover pain relievers in the home places families and individuals at greater risk of abusing prescription drugs.
3. Q. Where can I dispose of my leftover medication?
A. There are drop boxes in police stations throughout the county. For a complete list of locations, addresses, and hours click here.
4. Q. Can I dispose of my medication at home?
A. Yes, for proper disposal techniques and ideas click here
5. Q. How do I join the SMART coalition?
A. Contact Kye Nordfelt at 801-851-7181. You can watch the new member video and read the new member orientation packet by clicking here.
6. Q. What is the purpose of the SMART coalition?
A. SMART Utah County’s mission is to prevent alcohol and prescription narcotic drug misuse/abuse among individuals living in Utah County
7. Q. What does SMART do?
A. SMART organizes the efforts of key stakeholders to implement targeted, evidence-based strategies aimed at reducing risk factors that encourage citizens to misuse/abuse substances. Currently SMART is working on prescription take-back events, physician educational trainings, a media campaign, and oral drug identifying swabs that will make it possible for police officers to recognize prescription drug-related DUIs
8. Q. Where can I go if I personally, or someone else I know, has a problem with a prescription drug abuse?
A. For a full list of available services visit the Utah County Health Department’s Substance Abuse page by clicking here. This page will walk you through treatment options and where the best venue for help is, depending on the severity of the problem.
9. Q. How often does the SMART coalition meet?
A. The SMART coalition has a community board meeting and task force meetings on the second tuesday of every month. A key leader board meets quarterly.
10. Q. How is the SMART coalition funded?
A. The coalition is currently running off the SPF (Strategic Prevention Framework) grant. This grant provides the coalition with approximately $200,000/year but will end in 2011. In 2010 the coalition was awarded the Drug Free Communities grant which provides $125,000/year for the next five years.
