PUTNAM —  The  Putnam Partnership to Reduce the Influence of Drugs for Everyone (PRIDE) Drug Free Communities Coalition launched a new media campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription medication misuse and the proper ways of disposal.  

Using the “Lock Your Meds” theme, sponsored by the National Family Partnership, the PRIDE campaign targets adults and raises awareness of the growing epidemic of prescription drug abuse and what prevention steps are being taken.  “Lock Your Meds, is a national multi-media campaign designed to reduce prescription drug abuse by making adults aware that they are the “unwitting suppliers” of prescription medications being used in unintended ways, especially by young people.”

PRIDE Chairman, Deputy Police Chief Lee Konicki, said, “Seventy percent of children who abuse prescription drugs get them from family and friends.  This can be prevented by securing your medications at home, and by discarding unused or expired meds at the bi-annual Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration or by using the Putnam Police Department’s RX Med Lock Box located at 189 Church Street.  

When asked about the reasons for the rise in prescription drug abuse, PRIDE Coordinator, Romeo Blackmar said,” Many people, especially young people, have the misconception that medications prescribed by a doctor are less harmful than street drugs like cocaine and heroin.  However, abusing prescription drugs actually causes more deaths than all illegal drugs combined.”

PRIDE has initiated this new campaign with a live interview on WINY RadioMarch 17 with Leo’s Club President, Mikayla Van Dam, Konicki and Blackmar.  More information may be found on the PRIDE website, putnampride.org or contacting Romeo Blackmar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..