[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 79 (Monday, May 24, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S4148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 539--DESIGNATING MAY 24, 2010, AS ``PRESCRIPTION DRUG 
                        DISPOSAL AWARENESS DAY''

  Mr. CASEY (for himself, Mr. Grassley, and Mr. Kohl) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 539

       Whereas in 2008, pharmacies in the United States filled 
     3,649,468,866 retail drug prescriptions;
       Whereas in 2008, approximately 15,200,000 Americans 12 
     years of age and older reported having taken a prescription 
     drug that had not been prescribed to them for recreational 
     purposes in the previous year;
       Whereas in 2006, approximately 26,400 deaths occurred in 
     the United States from an unintentional drug overdose;
       Whereas prescription drugs are involved in more overdose 
     deaths annually than illegal drugs;
       Whereas in 2007 and 2008, 55.9 percent of individuals 12 
     years of age and older who used pain relievers nonmedically 
     in the past year had obtained the pain relievers from a 
     friend or relative for free;
       Whereas in 2007 and 2008, of the individuals 12 years of 
     age and older who obtained nonmedical pain relievers from a 
     friend or relative for free--
       (1) 81.7 percent indicated that the friend or relative had 
     obtained the drugs from just 1 doctor; and
       (2) 1.6 percent reported that the friend or relative had 
     bought the drugs from a drug dealer or other stranger;
       Whereas the improper disposal of prescription drugs may 
     result in chemicals contaminating the environment and water 
     supply; and
       Whereas collection programs may reduce the supply of 
     unused, unwanted prescription drugs in the United States: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates May 24, 2010, as ``Prescription Drug 
     Disposal Awareness Day'';
       (2) recognizes the importance of prescription drug disposal 
     programs to reduce the supply of unused, unwanted 
     prescription drugs in the United States; and
       (3) encourages each State to establish and promote a 
     prescription drug collection program.

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