Red Ribbon Week To Combat Drug Abuse

A resolution declaring October 23-31 to be Red Ribbon Week in Delaware County to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse was presented by County Council Vice Chairman Mario J. Civera Jr. to (from left) Vanessa Walker, Drug and Alcohol Program Prevention Specialist for the County Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Chelsey Price, Prevention Specialist for Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems, Linda Moore-Singleton, Assistant Drug and Alcohol Administrator for OBH, Civera, Beth Mingey, Director of Prevention Services, Holcomb, Jonna DiStefano, Administrator, Office of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Maureen Hennessey Herman, Director, County Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination, and Joseph Dougherty, Director of Human Services for Delaware County.

Alcohol and drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and is a serious public health threat to children as well as teenagers, adults and communities.  The Delaware County Heroin Task Force was established last year to raise awareness about tragic situations involving abuse of heroin and other opiates, including misused prescription drugs.  County residents can dispose of unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs in large metal “Delco Medicine Drop” boxes located in 10 police stations in the county and in the ground floor lobby of the Government Center, adjacent to the Courthouse, Media.

The drop boxes are located in the police stations in Bethel, Darby, Haverford, Marple, Radnor, Ridley, Springfield, Tinicum, Upper Chichester and Upper Darby townships.

Joining in the presentation at the Oct. 23 County Council meeting were (2d row, from left) Councilmen John P. McBlain and David J. White, Council Chairman Thomas J. McGarrigle and Councilwoman Colleen P. Morrone.