Healthy Steps Shingles Program Bucks County

Medication Disposal Program

Project GAMES Flu Clinic Senior Games Bucks County

Active Aging Expo

Anti-bullying Workshop

Bucks County Immunization Coalition

Newsletter Staff Diversity Committee Overdose Prevention

and Education Advisory

Project MEDS

A row of bottles on my shelfCaused me to analyze myself.

One yellow pill I have to popGoes to my heart so it won't stop.

A little white one that I takeGoes to my hands so they won't shake.

The blue ones that I use a lotTell me I'm happy when I'm not.

The purple pill goes to my brainand tells me that I have no pain.

The capsules tell me not to wheezeOr cough or choke or even sneeze.

The red ones, smallest of them allGo to my blood so I won't fall.

The orange ones, very big and brightPrevent my leg cramps in the night.

Such an array of brilliant pillsHelping to cure all kinds of ills

But what I'd really like to know...........Is what tells each one where to go!

-Author Unknown

A drug is a chemical substance that produces a physical, mental, emotional

or behavioral change in the person using it.

Number of Persons Age 60+ in Bucks County 1990-2020

1990

2000

2010

2020 Male: 35,699

Male: 40,126

Male: 50,993

Male: 67,764

Female: 47,385

Female: 55,605

Female: 70,175

Female: 88,842 Total: 83,084

Total: 95,731

Total: 121,168

Total: 156,606

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

1990 2000 2010 2020

Male

Female

Total

Number of Persons Age 60+ in Bucks County 1990-2020

By the Spring of 1988, it had become apparent that

medication misuse among the elderly was responsible

for the deaths and disabilities of many and had

in fact, taken on the proportions of a national

tragedy.

A meeting was held between: Bonnie Keller (Volunteer Coordinator for Bucks

County RSVP) Rosemary Adiletto (Prevention Program Supervisor

for Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission)

Through negotiation, a partnership was formed between BCAAA, BCDAC and RSVP.

Provide training location

Volunteer recruitment through Senior Centers

Training costs

Program staff

Provide on-going technical assistance

Primary Volunteer Recruitment

Distribute recruitment materials

Training Staff

Provide staff, volunteer and presenters travel costs.

Provide on-going technical assistance

Program development

Implementation and maintenance responsibilities

Act as the point of call for presentation appointments

On-going coordination of the project

In October 1988, 14 volunteers were trained as peer presenters

By the end of the first year 30 presentations reached more than 2500 older adults

Volunteers had monthly meetings

Volunteers bonded through group activities, picnics and holiday parties

In 1991, selected by President George Bush as first runners-up for the National Volunteer Action Award

Has earned the endorsement of both the Bucks County Medical Society and the Bucks County Pharmaceutical Association

To make older adults aware of issues related to the incorrect use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

To make older adults aware of issues related to alcohol misuse and abuse by the elderly population.

To provide volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to help them raise awareness.

To utilize the skills of volunteers in an effort to educate older adults.

BCAAA – coordinates volunteers, volunteer recruitment, trainings, presentations, marketing, materials and meetings. Submits volunteer hours to RSVP and many reports to BCDAC.

BCDAC – funds the program, asks me for many reports.

RSVP – Assists in volunteer recruitment.

Public speaking

Communication Skills

Neat appearance

Resourcefulness (the ability to answer questions)

Self-motivation (the ability to work independently)

People oriented (enjoys working with people)

RSVP Coordinator RSVP database Mass mailing PSA Announcements in the agency newsletter Flyers at the senior centers Senior health expos Project MEDS presentations www.volunteermatch.org Project MEDS volunteers

Opening comments by BCAAA Director The history and collaboration of Project

MEDS (BCAAA, BCDAC, RSVP) The Need for Project MEDS A Project MEDS presentation Presentation tips and options Materials and handouts HIPPA and Confidentiality, BCAAA

overview Reports and expense forms

“The Face of Older Adults, Drugs, Medications and Alcohol” given by guest speaker Marge Hanna (Executive Director for BCDAC)

Guest Speaker – Doctor certified in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics

Guest Speaker – Registered Pharmacist Mentor meeting Presentation scheduling

Project MEDS volunteers do not represent themselves as medical professionals and are not associated with the pharmaceutical industry.

Volunteers should never give medical advice

Volunteers should never give personal opinions

Volunteers should stick to the approved presentation script

PSA Announcements in the agency

newsletter The senior centers Senior health expos Project MEDS presentations Project MEDS volunteers Other programs Return visits Brochures

55+ Communities Church Groups Adult Daycare Senior Expos Senior Centers Women's/Men's

Groups Senior Housing Retirement Communities Home Health Care Agencies Support Groups

Welcome and introductions Ask for volunteers to participate in the

pre and post test Fun attention getter: The Pill Poem or

Phyllis Feelgood Deliver script Ask for questions or comments Ask everyone to fill out a presenter’s

evaluations form Hand out bag with information and

giveaways

The patient’s responsibility for tracking current medications, both prescribed and over-the-counter.

Questions to ask their health care professionals. The importance of keeping and sharing complete

personal medical histories with their health care professionals.

The need to dispose of unneeded medications. The dangers of sharing medications. Why older adults have a higher risk of adverse

drug reactions. The dangers of mixing alcohol and medications. Available resources.

BUCKS COUNTY MEDICATION DISPOSAL

Started as a collaboration between BCAAA, BCDAC, Bucks Promise for Youth & Communities.

Now includes the County Detectives, Dept of Health, Children & Youth, Medical Reserve Corps, 6 county coalitions.

Since September 2010 we’ve had 4 countywide collections.

We’ve collected more than 4 tons of medication. We have 18 permanent collection boxes. We hand out 250,000 bag stuffers per collection We offer homebound residents a front door pick-

up. We offer senior housing a collection in their foyer. I have collections at our senior center flu clinics I have collections at our Active Aging Expo

Address the need for proper medication disposal.

Bring awareness to environmental concerns, youth overdose and senior overdose and medication sharing.

Volunteer at collection sites.

Time

Funding

Volunteers

Program Events

Improving the Program