The Kentucky Medical Association has formally launched the “Know Your Meds” campaign to encourage physicians and patients across the Commonwealth to work together to prevent prescription drug abuse through knowledge and education.
Prescription drug abuse is a public health epidemic in Kentucky resulting in more than 1,000 deaths from overdoses each year. Physicians and patients both have important roles to play in stopping improper use of prescription medicines that can lead to abuse and addiction. The Know Your Meds campaign encourages patients to look to their physicians for education about how best to safely use, store and dispose of their medicines. It will also encourage physicians throughout the Commonwealth to take an active role in educating their patients about the importance of adhering to prescription schedules and how to safely dispose of unused medicines.
“Prescription medicines save lives. But if used improperly, they can also be dangerous—especially if they get into the wrong hands,” said Nancy Swikert, M.D., President of the Kentucky Medical Association. “A simple conversation with your physician can go a long way in equipping you with the knowledge you need to use, store and dispose of your medicines in the safest way possible.”
Kentucky ranks third highest in the mortality rate for drug overdoses in the United States. The Know Your Meds campaign seeks to prevent this through a strong patient-provider relationship and education.
The Kentucky Medical Association launched this campaign through funding from the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC), the charitable arm of the KMA committed to improving lives of Kentuckians through public health initiatives and medical education.
For more information on safe drug use, storage and disposal, please visit kyma.org/know-your-meds-ky.
