January 22- 26 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week put on by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).  The week-long event started in 2010 to counteract myths about drugs and alcohol that teens and adults often hear from the internet, TV, movies, music, or friends.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46 people die each day from an overdose of prescription painkillers such as Vicodin, OxyContin and Methadone. The CDC also says almost two million Americans abused or where dependent on prescription opioids in 2014.

“Aspirus partners with community resources to provide the community with education on substance abuse and resources that are available when help is needed.” said Tara Draeger, Community Health Programs manager.  “One of our top community priorities is to educate the community on the risks of substance abuse and direct them to helpful resources when needed.”

Aspirus Wausau Hospital offers “Medication Monday” on the third Monday of every month from 4 pm – 6 pm. The program is free and anyone in the community can schedule an appointment to meet with a pharmacist to review and better understand medications.

Pharmacy services are available at many Aspirus hospitals and clinics. More information on Aspirus pharmacy services and “Medication Monday” can be found at aspirus.org. Contact the Aspirus Customer Contact Center at 715-847-2380 or 800-847-4707 to register for the “Medication Monday” service.