INDIANAPOLIS –In an effort to heighten awareness of Indiana's prescription drug abuse epidemic, the Colts are getting involved.
The Colts have teamed up with Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller and the Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force to help bring attention to a prevalent problem impacting numerous Hoosiers.
"I am enthusiastic about our partnership with the Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force," said Colts Owner and CEO Jim Irsay. "The statistics related to this issue in Indiana are eye-openers, and we hope we can use the Colts platform to get the word out and raise awareness about prevention." *
According to the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), more than 1,000 Hoosiers died from drug overdoses in 2012, compared to less than 500 in 2003. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that Indiana is currently listed as one of the top ten states for prescribing narcotics making Indiana 17th in the United States in drug overdose mortality rate. *
"Statistics show that the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs is not limited to a specific age group, gender, or class," said Zoeller.
"Teaming with the Colts and their professional athletes will allow us to focus public attention on this epidemic and the need to help those held in the grip of pain and addiction. My hope is that, with the support of the Colts we can save many lives from this growing problem."
The new partnership will begin up in Anderson with the Colts reporting to training camp on Wednesday.
The Indiana Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force will have a booth inside of "Colts City" with members available to pass out information and answer questions.
