Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Seek Public Assistance-National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 6, 2015) - The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) is pleased to announce this years National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day which will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Many police services across Canada will be participating in this event.

"On Saturday, May 9, 2015, Canada's police leaders and their services are asking all Canadians to take a moment and clear out their family medicine cabinets. The rising rates of recreational misuse of prescription drugs by youth, in particular opioids, can lead to addiction and unintended, tragic consequences. We can all play a role in safeguarding our families. Unused and unwanted prescriptions can be dropped off at many police services on this date or at pharmacies throughout the year," stated Chief Clive Weighill, President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

The National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is intended to raise awareness of the rapidly growing and troubling issue of Canada's prescription drug crisis. Simply put, the rising rates of recreational misuse of prescription drugs by youth, the majority of whom obtain these drugs from family medicine cabinets and friends, can be avoided with the help of all Canadians.

The public is advised to contact their local police service with regards to prescription drug drop-off locations. In addition, unused / unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off at local pharmacies throughout the year.

We are thankful for the growing list of partners who have joined us this initiative. Specifically, Partnership for a Drug Free Canada, the Canadian Pharmacist Association, the Canadian Medical Association, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, Public Safety Canada and Health Canada. In addition, we acknowledge the work of the Health Products Stewardship Association.

To learn more about this issue, please visit www.CACP.ca and follow the link "2015 Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day." In addition, police services, partners, stakeholders and community representative will be live tweeting this event using the hashtag #RxDropOff.

The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police was established in 1905 and represents approximately 1,000 police leaders from across Canada. The Association is dedicated to the support and promotion of efficient law enforcement and to the protection and security of the people of Canada. Through its member police chiefs and other senior police executives, the CACP represents in excess of 90% of the police community in Canada which include federal, First Nations, provincial, regional and municipal, transportation and military police leaders.