NLIS 2
August 3, 2004
(Health and Community Services)

 

OxyContin Task Force report released

Greater education and public awareness, improved mechanisms for information sharing and stronger collaboration among the medical and policing communities are some of the findings and recommendations outlined in the final report from the OxyContin Task Force. Elizabeth Marshall, Minister of Health and Community Services, joined her colleagues Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Tom Hedderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Education, today in releasing the report.

"The misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, like OxyContin, is complex and addressing the problem will require more work with our partners," said Minister Elizabeth Marshall. "I would like to thank the task force members for their dedication, contributions and continued efforts. All of the recommendations put forward will be given serious consideration."

The task force final report outlines areas in which OxyContin is most prevalent in the province, including rising access to the drug among adolescents, an increase in the number of prescriptions and increased criminal activity to access OxyContin. It also states there is no mechanism for sharing information with police when double-doctoring is suspected.

"Our recommendations reflect the information its members have gathered from professionals, community groups and individuals directly affected by this drug," said Beverley Clarke, chair of the OxyContin Task Force. "The task force believes a comprehensive approach will help address the numerous issues arising from the misuse and abuse of OxyContin and other narcotics. A collaborative effort is necessary to achieve and sustain long-term results."

The report offers 50 recommendations including the need for further education and prevention initiatives, additional treatment options, harm reduction strategies and legislative amendments.

Government intends to act immediately on several recommendations including the implementation of tamper-resistant prescription pads, continuing education for health professionals and youth and establishing provincial guidelines for methadone treatment. Other recommendations will require further analysis added Minister Elizabeth Marshall.

The Department of Justice supports recommendations relating to policing including continued focus on law enforcement training and allocation of police officers. "Policing plays a significant role in drug prevention, enforcement and investigation," stated Minister Tom Marshall. "The Department of Justice remains committed to providing officers with the proper training to strengthen the fight against not only OxyContin abuse and related crimes, but for all controlled substances."

"The long-term strategy for drug abuse prevention and education in schools will be developed as part of the Department of Education's Safe and Caring Schools Initiative," said Tom Hedderson. "This initiative, through interagency cooperation, provides leadership to schools on matters relating to substance abuse, violence and other health and safety issues."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador established the task force in response to concerns about OxyContin abuse put forth from law enforcement, health professionals, community advocates and the media. The task force was a collaborative partnership of the Departments of Health and Community Services, Education and Justice.

The final report of the task force is available on-line at //www.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/.

Media contact:

Carolyn Chaplin, Health and Community Services, (709)729-1377
Heather Donovan, Justice, (709)729-6985
Lynn Salter, Education, (709)729-0048
Martha Muzychka, Health and Community Services St. John�s Region, (709)752-4136

2004 08 03                                      10:00 a.m.


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