FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 15, 2009

Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022

Caroline Roth
630/407-6033

DU PAGE RX DROP BOXES AT RISK UNDER BILL AWAITING GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE

DU PAGE COUNTY -- DuPage County Board Member Jeff Redick (District 2) on Wednesday warned that a new DuPage County program to properly dispose of prescription medicines is at risk if Gov. Pat Quinn signs a measure that is currently on his desk.

House Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1433, which would take effect immediately if signed, would allow the State to "transfer from various special funds to the General Revenue Fund during Fiscal Year 2010."  This transfer, notes Redick, would mean funding for the DuPage Rx boxes would be stopped.

"Providing residents with a safe place to dispose of their old and unused prescription medicines prevents prescription drug abuse and provides protection from pharmaceutical threats to water supplies or waterways," said Redick, Chairman of the County's Environmental Committee.  "Today, I am urging Governor Quinn to do the right thing and veto this measure to ensure these funds are not put at risk and important initiatives like the DuPage Rx drop boxes are continued."

The Rx Drop Box program was launched in May, 2009 as an inter-governmental effort to fight the improper disposal of prescription drugs.  The program is a collaborative effort between DuPage County, the DuPage County Health Department and over twelve municipal partners.

"This program is the type of cooperative effort that promotes common sense efficiencies in government and real protection to our communities," said Redick.  "It is a shame that the legislature would consider playing politics with these funds in an effort to put off having to face the budgetary crisis that they have created in Springfield."

Ironically, in May 2008, the State of Illinois launched a public service campaign to educate the public on the dangers of prescription drug abuse, particularly by teens. According to a press release issued by the State of Illinois dated May 2, 2008, 1 in 5 teens had reported "abusing prescription medications to get high." The abuse of prescription drugs increases demands on the police, courts and health providers.

"Apparently the state sees a need to talk about the problem, but not to deal with the problem," said Redick.  "That seems to be par for the course down there."

Concerned residents are encouraged to call Governor Quinn (312-814-2121) to urge him to veto House Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 1433.