Fla. Parents Want Tougher Laws to Address Prescription Misuse

Fla. Parents Want Tougher Laws to Address Prescription Misuse
February 6, 2004

News Summary

A group of parents in Florida urged officials to create a prescription-tracking database to curb the skyrocketing rate of prescription-drug misuse in the state, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Feb. 5.

The parents made their plea during a drug symposium held at the state Capitol. Many carried posters of children who died from prescription drug misuse.

"It doesn't matter if you live in a slum or a pillared mansion. People are dying from these drugs, and we have to stop it," said Teresa Ashcraft of DeBary, whose 19-year-old son died from an OxyContin overdose.

According to Florida officials, an average of five residents per day die from prescription drug misuse.

"This is a horrible situation that we need to deal with, and we will," said Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who attended the symposium.

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