Drug Summit for the Rich and Famous?

It's not Grandma's Medicine Cabinet that needs to be emptied -- Don't insult the victims and families of the Prescription Drug Epidemic at the National RX Drug Summit!

Congressman Hal Rogers of Kentucky and Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack of California will be in attendance and have been great supporters of combating the prescription drug epidemic crippling the U.S.

On the "Summit" website is the following statement -- "This inaugural must attend National RX Drug Abuse Summit is unlike any other national conference, bringing all impacted parties together to address the prescription drug abuse epidemic."

The only problem is they neglected to include the most important "impacted parties" -- families who are dealing with the loss of loved ones to addiction or death due to prescription drugs. I recognize it would be difficult to include the tens of thousands of families in this "Summit", but regardless of that -- here is why this Summit will not address or make changes to the tsunami of prescription drugs we have ongoing:

First, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is not included in the Summit. Maybe they weren't invited, but they are the leading cause of the drug problem in this country. Narcotics such as OxyContin approved by the FDA in 1995 for end stage cancer patients, has been promoted for "moderate pain" and mass produced by the maker of the drug, Purdue Pharma. The FDA should be held accountable for allowing the drug to be prescribed for pain as benign as a tooth extraction.

There are 100 "experts" and "leaders" who will be attending the Summit according to the brochure. One of the supporting sponsors is Partnership at Drug Free. org -- financed by the maker of OxyContin responsible for the devastating loss of life in the U.S. since its approval by the FDA.

The "Advisory Board" for the Summit has two esteemed members sitting on it -- Nathaniel Katz, MD and Lynn R. Webster, MD. Both physicians are paid consultants or speakers for the maker of OxyContin. Last week I wrote an article wherein I referenced Dr. Webster's ties to Purdue Pharma. (see: Mad Irony: Our Failed War on Drugs and a Devil Called OxyContin ).

The Keynote address will be delivered by the Surgeon General of the U.S., Regina Benjamin, M.D., who has been a supporter of a book on opioid prescribing for physicians written by one Scott Fishman, MD. The book denies the role of physician overprescribing in the cause of prescription drug abuse. Also Dr. Fishman has been a paid consultant of Purdue Pharma responsible for the country's prescription drug epidemic.

So a Drug Summit is put together to sound the alarm that we have a crisis in this country in prescription drugs killing and addicting so how do we tackle it aggressively?

Well let's begin by holding the Summit in the "playground" of America -- Walt Disney World and better still at the Swan Resort with prohibitive registration fees of over $1,000, room fees, meals -- all extra. But then, you have the benefit of enjoying the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Universal Studios. But wait a two day Summit meeting when will these "heavy hitters" have time to "play" in the theme parks? I'm sure they'll fit it in, but their families will have two days to enjoy all that Disney World offers.

Do you think 'Partnership for a Drug Free America' - funded by Purdue Pharma, did not consider this when the Summit was set up?

A well organized group in New England called 'Learn to Cope' is headed by Joanne Peterson and has several hundred families as members. They are fighting the good fight of keeping their kids away from drugs and speaking at high schools telling their personal stories of loss. In other words, "bringing it home" to kids who think prescription drugs are just a form of recreation. Learn to Cope was not invited to the Summit at Disney World -- but neither were other groups who have lost loved ones and are not funded by the maker of OxyContin.

Here is a portion of an email sent to me by Joanne Peterson in her frustration at a "drug summit" being held in a play resort:

“

So, why do the parents need to be the only ones to be the “anti drug”? Why can’t the leaders in this country stand up to the pharmaceuticals and join forces to also become the “anti drug”. Why isn’t society angry? If you could only see just how many young people are losing their lives or destroying their lives out here today. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) prescription drug use and abuse is up 400%! Why is this allowed to happen? Who else should be protecting this country's youth? Who cares for the families that their anti drug messages didn’t help?

If anyone believes that parents being diligent and educating their kids about the dangers of drugs, eating dinner with them, helping with homework, attending school events and parent teacher meetings, enrolling them in sports and attending their games is a guarantee that their kids will always make the right decision when they are approached to try the poison the big pharma floods our society with they are very naive.

Young children need more than commercials that cost millions and paid for by the very company that caused this epidemic, They need our leaders to put a stop to the greed and do something about it! They need our leaders in this country to help protect our children. It can begin with a standard that our own FDA could implement. Someone needs to slow down the pharmaceutical companies from pumping out more opiate drugs.

Since the late 1990’s when OxyContin was unleashed, we have a pain epidemic and people are fooled into thinking no one should feel an ounce of pain.

”

I imagine there are hundreds of thousands of people who would love to have been able to take their families to experience the fun at Disney World, but they are dealing with things like funerals and drug rehab because their family members are addicted to prescription drugs such as OxyContin.
While these families are dealing with their tragedies, the "sold out" Summit will be dining at the Swan Resort restaurant -- Todd English's Bluezoo. Care for a sample of the dinner menu?
Dirty South Swordfish $35.00
Fish of the Day $34.00
Ahi Tuna $39.00
Hawaiian Seabass $41.00
And a 2 lb Maine Lobster for $60.00.

The only word that comes to mind is disgusting and that's not strong enough. Families are losing their children because a drug called OxyContin was pushed as non-addictive and non-abusive and the reward for this is the people who could stop it and make changes to save lives are feasting on Maine Lobster and playing in the Magic Kingdom -- with the same people who are paid consultants for the maker of the most lethal drug in the history of the U.S. and Canada -- OxyContin laughing all the way to the bank.

So how many more Summits? How many more Senate hearings? How many more congressional hearings? The drug epidemic is out of control -- reclassify dangerous drugs such as OxyContin for severe pain only. Limit the production of the lethal drug. Close down the pill mill clinics advertising themselves as "pain management clinics." Get your heads out of the medicine cabinets and get into the board rooms of the pharmaceutical companies as they gloat over the billions of dollars of profits they are making -- with the stain of blood on their hands that cannot be washed off.

LP -- Pit fires, swans, botanicals, brainstorming, encouragement, peace, love, faith and a beautiful journey with three sets of footprints in the sand. Does it get much better than this? I love you.

Salem-News.com Investigative Reporter Marianne Skolek, is an Activist for Victims of OxyContin and Purdue Pharma throughout the United States and Canada. In July 2007, she testified against Purdue Pharma in Federal Court in Virginia at the sentencing of their three CEO's - Michael Friedman, Howard Udell and Paul Goldenheim - who pleaded guilty to charges of marketing OxyContin as less likely to be addictive or abused to physicians and patients. She also testified against Purdue Pharma at a Judiciary Hearing of the U.S. Senate in July 2007. Marianne works with government agencies and private attorneys in having a voice for her daughter Jill, who died in 2002 after being prescribed OxyContin, as well as the voice for scores of victims of OxyContin. She has been involved in her work for the past 8-1/2 years and is currently working on a book that exposes Purdue Pharma for their continued criminal marketing of OxyContin.

Marianne is a nurse having graduated in 1991 as president of her graduating class. She also has a Paralegal certification. Marianne served on a Community Service Board for the Courier News, a Gannet newspaper in NJ writing articles predominantly regarding AIDS patients and their emotional issues. She was awarded a Community Service Award in 1993 by the Hunterdon County, NJ HIV/AIDS Task Force in recognition of and appreciation for the donated time, energy and love in facilitating a Support Group for persons with HIV/AIDS.

Salem-News.com Top Stories

2025: Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

Two Wars with No Way Out

No One Owns the Future

The Ugly Origins of Trump's America First Policy

A One-State Solution Could Transform the World

Comments Leave a comment on this story.

All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied.

Janice May 19, 2012 7:06 am (Pacific time)

"Calling out the devious marketing tactics of purdue pharma and other companies is one thing; suggesting that inanimate entities such as drugs which have no force or will of their own are capable of making the personal decisions of kids, and perpetuating the notion that kids are not empowered to choose their own social circles - is another thing." To be clear we all know kids experiment with drug. That being said we are talking about Perdue Pharma pushing Oxycotin as a safe, non-addictive drug for moderate pain. My Heroin addicted son did not get anything out of my medicine cabinet or anyone else's for that matter. He was in a car accident 4 years ago and was given 80 mg Oxy's. I didn't even know what they were at the time. he was 22 and up until that time was always a good kid, worked hard, played hockey for HS and private clubs. I watched him change into someone I do not even recognise. After stealing everything that wasn't nailed down here he finally resorted to buglery to get his drugs. Shortly after his 26th birthday he ended up in jail, when he sits now. Yeah some kids will experiment and others will be hooked by the pharmacuetical companies themselves. We need to stop them from distributing these dangerous drugs.

Danielle April 11, 2012 4:59 pm (Pacific time)

Marianne, thank you for your efforts, they are not unnoticed. I look forward to your book.

DM April 11, 2012 4:39 pm (Pacific time)

I find it necessary to change the name when the moderator censors and handpicks only the comments which reinforce her particularly narrow viewpoint. Calling out the devious marketing tactics of purdue pharma and other companies is one thing; suggesting that inanimate entities such as drugs which have no force or will of their own are capable of making the personal decisions of kids, and perpetuating the notion that kids are not empowered to choose their own social circles - is another thing. It's counterproductive I believe, and it creates a mass misperception of powerlessness in terms of individual choice and behavior. An informed and cool-headed attitude toward the drug problem is much different from a "know it all" attitude. How can one possibly ascertain that the commentor (myself) is a "know it all" when one has no clue as to what the facts of the matter are? (which is apparent by the occasional falsehood throughout these pieces). I'm not saying I disagree with the message that purdue pharma lacks moral and ethical fiber, I'm simply trying to contribute a fresh viewpoint, free of hyperbole and unreason)

DM April 10, 2012 9:24 pm (Pacific time)

"from others who think we are bad parents who didn't love our kids enough, didn't tell them the dangers of drugs, didn't get them into sports, eat dinner with them, and tuck them into bed at night, as if those things could keep drugs away from our kids." - FYI, drugs are not capable of seeking out and coming after your kids, nor are they capable of forcing your kids to take them mindlessly and self-indulgently. Likewise, kids don't simply "fall into" the wrong crowd or the wrong activity - they make choices, hopefully based on the values which parents have instilled in them.

Editor: So are you Taylor or Dereck today? Or do you just use a different name each time you comment for some other reason? I only see your words as a supreme 'know it all' approach and kids do fall in with the wrong crowds, you must not be a parent. Anyway, the drugs paw at our kids and their parents on TV all day long, I don't even know where you are coming from or what you are getting at. Parents do what they can, the government allows killer drugs to be marketed like candy. Purdue initially marked OxyContin as 'non lethal' and 'non addictive' because their top officials and Eric Holder as their attorney, are immoral warthogs and they make us SICK so remember that the perspective is everything. The FDA has its hands tied by corporate bastards.

MSpra April 10, 2012 9:05 am (Pacific time)

Your story keeps screaming in my head while the FDA ignores it all. I have written them so many times in the past year, all ignored or put down. Please continue to write Marianne, you are our voice. I recently found out that 80% of Oxycontin are used in the U.S. Incredible! Keep up the great work and let's us have a summit... and soon.

MSpra April 10, 2012 9:15 am (Pacific time)

Did you know that America uses 80% of the manufactured Oxycontin? I guess no one else is in pain.

MSpra April 10, 2012 9:13 am (Pacific time)

Marianne; Keep up the great work.. your words keep me going because all the rest of it is NOISE. I was welcomed to phone Congressman Hal rogers office and then the tone changed when I asked his Office Manager if he was aware that Purdue Pharmacy financially supported the Summit's Host 'Partnership for a Drug Free America'? The tone of the lady changed immediately and she asked if I was from his district and when I said no she told me to call my representative. I also know the FDA has been ignoring my letters for a year and say they are doing all they can to change things, except to change things that is. Let's us family members have a few Summits..........

mary d April 10, 2012 8:18 am (Pacific time)

Thank you so much for your continued attention to the horror that Perdue Pharma unleashed on my family and so many others, as well. We are the families that pay for treatment, when we can find it, with our 401K and lose our homes in an effort to get our kids well.We suffer the stigma, meanwhile, from others who think we are bad parents who didn't love our kids enough, didn't tell them the dangers of drugs, didn't get them into sports, eat dinner with them, and tuck them into bed at night, as if those things could keep drugs away from our kids. In fact, as parent, where we are now is learning about and recieving intranasal Narcan, which is the antidote for opiate overdose. That is what is in my medicine cabinet now..in case I need to save my child. Thank God we have it here in Massachusetts because some parents have saved their children using it. How crazy is that? That is our reality. I hope those politicians speak up for us at that expensive "drug summit". Going to Disney World is not going to solve the very huge and real problem we have here in this country.

Caroline April 9, 2012 4:12 pm (Pacific time)

Excellent writing- extremely infomative....Chances are greater that the families of these Pharmaceuticals have someone suffering from addiction... thing is -- they are much better at hiding it -- until one of them drives and kills an innocent high profile person.... This summit should be named "how to make a billion on someone else's life"....

joanne peterson April 9, 2012 10:25 am (Pacific time)

It's like genocide, or terrorism on our own soil

Barry April 9, 2012 10:17 am (Pacific time)

We can only hope and pray that Hal Rogers and Mary Bono Mack are not lulled into complacency with the blast of hot air that’s about to hit them. I believe deep in my soul that Congressman Rogers fully understands what has happened to those of us who’s families and bank accounts were destroyed dealing with their child’s opiate addiction. Pure and simple, money is in the way of common sense. The pharmaceutical companies have purchased our legislators with their blood money. It is our legislators, who through political pressure, influence the FDA and DEA and should all take credit as accessories to the opiate epidemic. The DEA, FDA and far too many of our elected officials have listened to our nightmares and have chosen not to act. They have listened to countless individuals and organized groups speak to them and give these agencies enough ammunition to make changes that will save lives. However, they have chosen not to hear us when we speak to them. They have chosen not to act. Unfortunately, until they have all personally experienced the same daily fear and hopelessness we all live with; Until they live the daily horror and sick feeling each time their child walks out the door that it will be the last time you see that child alive….or until they actually mourn their child’s death, maybe then they will understand. The numbers show that with the increase of young addicts skyrocketing, the individuals in these agencies blocking change will be touched by addiction in their immediate family in the very near future. Sadly, they will have to live a piece of our lives before they “get it.”

Ralph E. Stone April 9, 2012 7:37 am (Pacific time)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the percentage of Americans who took at least one prescription drug in the past month increased from 44 percent to 48 percent over the past ten years. The use of two or more drugs increased from 25 percent to 31 percent. The use of five or more drugs increased from 6 percent to 11 percent. And in 2007-2008, 1 out of every 5 children and 9 out of 10 older Americans reported using at least one prescription drug in the past month. And Americans are spending more on drugs. According to the CDC, spending for prescription drugs in the U.S. was $234.1 billion in 2008, which was more than double what was spent in 1999. According to Fortune 500 (May 3, 2010 issue date), the profits for the twelve largest pharmaceutical companies was almost $64 billion in 2010. Clearly, Pharma has a financial interest in a DSM with more mental disorders because it will mean a demand for more drugs to treat them. Pharma is in the business of selling pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs. To do so, an incestuous relationship has developed over the years between ;physicians who prescribe drugs and Pharma who makes them. Pharma paid out more than $250 million to some 17,000 physicians and nurses in 2009 and 2010. Nearly 400 of these physicians received payments of $100,000 or more to promote drugs, serve as medical consultants, speak at conferences, and enroll patients in trials. In addition, there are complaints that some Pharma companies exert undue influence over key advisory committees tasked with approving vaccines for mandated health-care programs. And the conflict of interest rules of the FDA and CDC are considered weak. That's what the summit should be about.

Anonymous April 9, 2012 7:30 am (Pacific time)

100,000+ active duty army troops on meds...Seems as tho the pharma industry is everywhere...here is the link... http://www.infowars.com/report-100000-active-duty-army-troops-on-meds/

malcolm kyle April 9, 2012 2:43 am (Pacific time)

PRESCRIPTION PAINKILLERS: drugs like oxycodone and hydrocodone, the main ingredients in Oxycontin and Vicodin, landed 305,885 Americans in emergency rooms in 2008 -- more than double the 144,644 visits in 2004, (2010 study by Samsha and the CDC) Overdose deaths involving these opioid pain relievers (oxycodone and hydrocodone; and synthetic narcotics such as fentanyl and propoxyphene) now exceed deaths from heroin and cocaine combined (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Prescription drug overdoses have been increasing in the United States over the last decade, and by 2008 had reached 36,450 deaths - almost as many as from motor vehicle crashes (39,973). http://www.acep.org/MobileArticle.aspx?id=82888andcoll_id=720andparentid=740

[Return to Top]