Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies and child protection investigators are handing out business cards promoting resources available at www.pinellasdrugabuse.com.
LARGO – Pinellas County Sheriff’s employees are handing out business cards to call attention to its drug abuse website, pinellasdrugabuse.com.
Starting in March, personnel, specifically deputies and child protection investigators, are handing out the business cards on any drug-related call. The cards contain the website information and QR (Quick Response Bar Code) that will allow the public to scan the QR with their Internet based phones for a direct link to the site.
The business cards also will be made available to the public by request or by contacting the Public Information Office at 582-6221.
The drug abuse website provides resources to assist families dealing with addiction and provides awareness and education on the dangers of abusing illicit drugs, prescription medications and other dangerous substances.
Since the site was launched in October 2012, it has had several updates and new features have been added. The website will provide links to:
• 211 Get Connected. Get Answers.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Treatment Locator
• Florida Poison Information Center
• Eckerd Community Alternatives – Family Resources
• Prescription pill identifier and information
• Indicators of misuse and abuse of illicit and prescription drugs
• Signs of possible drug overdose and what to do to get help
• Safety information about how to safe guard and protect your medications
• Pinellas County Operation Cabinet Program (OMC), a safe way to dispose of your medications and drop-off container locator in your community
• Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Submit a Drug Tip
• Crime Stoppers of Pinellas County
• Resource material, publications and news on related issues
The misuse and abuse of illicit drugs, prescription medications and dangerous substances has escalated beyond belief over the last decade, becoming the fastest growing epidemic in the United States, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office. Most people, especially teenagers, are under the assumption that these dangerous substances are not harmful. The abuse of these substances is a public health hazard, contributes to addiction and has deadly consequences.
The drug abuse website is dedicated to assisting people with education about substance abuse and by providing resources for addiction. This initiative is a first of its kind by law enforcement to link a variety of resources on a user-friendly website.
The program is funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Services Administration, Drug Free Communities grant awarded to LiveFree! Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition of Pinellas County in partnership with PCSO.
For more information about the website, call Sgt. Dan Zsido of the Community Education and Services Unit at 582-6200.
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