Media Advisory: Governor Lynch Hosts Press Conference to Launch drugfreeNH.org and Announce Efforts to Address Prescription Drug Misuse Amongst Teens


CONCORD, NH--(Marketwire - September 14, 2010) -

WHAT: With one in five New Hampshire teens abusing prescription drugs, parents need information on how they can address the problem. The abuse of prescription drugs including painkillers, anti-depressants, stimulants, morphine derivatives and anti-anxiety medications is growing at an alarming rate in New Hampshire and across the country. In fact, according to the NH Chief Medical Examiner's Office, in 2009 more NH citizens died from prescription drug overdoses (164) than car accidents (110). Governor Lynch will hold a press conference to discuss prescription drug misuse and announce the launch of drugfreeNH.org.

WHEN: Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 2:00 pm

Speakers at Press Conference (tentative):

  • Governor John Lynch 
  • Tym Rourke, Chairman, Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment
  • Joe Harding, Director of the Department of Health & Human Services' Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services
  • Chucky Rosa, father and founder of www.chuckysfight.com

WHERE: Executive Council Chambers, Room 208
 New Hampshire State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord, NH

WHY: The NH Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services and the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment worked together to reach parents by developing a user-friendly website -- drugfreeNH.org -- that offers information and is a great resource on prescription drug misuse and other issues related to alcohol and other drugs.

ABOUT DRUGFREENH.ORG
drugfreeNH.org is a collaborative effort of the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services' Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services (BDAS), and the Governor's Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Treatment. drugfreeNH.org was created to deliver effective and coordinated information to residents throughout New Hampshire. Members of the Governor's Commission include, the Attorney General, the Director of Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Services, State representatives, an Administrative Judge of the District and Municipal Courts, Division Director of the Juvenile Justice System, Chairman of the Liquor Commission, the Adjutant General of the NH National Guard, Commissioners of the Department of Education, Safety, Health and Human Services and Corrections as well as dedicated professionals with expertise in substance abuse prevention, intervention and treatment.  For more information, visit www.drugfreeNH.org.

Contact Information:

For Further Information, Contact:
Amy Riemer
Media Relations
978.475.4441 (office)
978.502.4895 (cell)