Massapequa Takes Action Coalition Partners with Pulse Center

Encourages Patient Safety Education & Advocacy

In the Massapequas, Long Island, 31% of youth (grades 7-12) surveyed have been treated for an injury or surgery where they were prescribed pain medication (2015 PRIDE Survey Massapequa High School). In addition, 71% of young adults who misuse prescription drugs access them through friends, and family medicine cabinets (2015 Young Adult Survey). Utilizing a strategic approach, we will reduce these statistics. 

School sports and community recreation is an important part of how Massapequas’ youth develop into healthy adults. In the Massapequas, over 80% of youth (grades 7 to 12) reported playing on a school athletic team, running, cheering or exercising on their own (2015 YDS Survey). Unfortunately, injuries can and do occur for both athletes and students as 33% of Massapequas' youth (grades 7 to 12) reported being treated for an injury or surgery where they were prescribed pain medication (2018 PFS Survey).

Thanks to a generous grant from the Pulse Patient Safety Education Fund, MTAC is able to print its Opioids & Sports Prevention Booklet and distribute it to Massapequas’ parents, athletes and community sports organizations. The booklet outlines key facts regarding the dangers associated with prescription opioids; important questions to ask your doctor if your child is prescribed opioids; and the importance of securing, monitoring and disposing of medications.

“We are so excited to partner with the Massapequa Takes Action Coalition as they share our mission to empower families to be active members in managing of their healthcare,” stated Ilene Corina, President and Patient Safety Advocate at the Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education and Advocacy.  “MTAC’s Opioids and Sports is a great tool to encourage discussions between parents/patients and their healthcare providers when prescribed pain medication or any prescription drug,” Corina added.

To obtain copies of MTAC’s Opioids and Sports Prevention Booklet, contact Cathy Samuels, MTAC Project Director at (516) 799-3000 x 131 or email at [email protected]. For more information regarding the Pulse Patient Safety Education Fund go to www.psefund.org. You can also learn more about patient safety and advocacy at the Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education and Advocacy website: https://patientadvocatesinaction.org/ or call (516) 579- 4711.

 

MTAC was recently awarded a grant from the Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education and Advocacy to print its Opioids & Sports Prevention Booklet.

Learn more about the 2018 Pulse Patient Safety Symposium here