In brief: Created to advise the Public Affairs Committee of the Board on available services and information regarding the treatment of substance abuse problems and problems relative to mental health. The committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, January 23rd, April 23rd, July 23rd, and October 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Township Administration Building, 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park.
Local Resource List Compiled by the Committee
2022 Members
- Howard H. Covitz, Ph.D.
- Mathew Abraham
- Jacques Lipetz
- Beverly Fries
- Lacy Clayton
- Samantha Coppola
- Jessica Werner
- Sandra Stephens
- 3 vacancies
Major Committee Undertakings
Making a Difference Awards
Recognizes a person, business or organization that contributes to the community in any of the following ways:
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Preventing tobacco, drug or alcohol abuse
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Increasing awareness of the dangers of drug or alcohol abuse
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Improving conditions for the mentally ill
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Combating domestic violence
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Mentoring children to achieve their potential
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Improving the well-being for older adults
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Any other health-related activity that makes a difference in these areas.
Submit a nomination
DARE
The Committee supports the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) curriculum in Cheltenham School District and often sends representatives to their graduation ceremonies.
Resources
The Committee collects and periodically updates its distribution material, provided by county, state and federal agencies.
Drop Off Unwanted Drugs
Cheltenham Township officials invite residents to
drop off unwanted medications at the Cheltenham Police Station, open
from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week, at 8230
Old York Road in Elkins Park. Cheltenham is one of dozens of
communities participating in the Montgomery County District Attorney
Prescription Drug Disposal Program.
Years ago, doctors used to advise people to flush unneeded medications down the toilet. However, experts now agree that medicines
that are flushed or poured down the drain can end up polluting our
waters and contaminating our food and water supplies. Because
wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove medicines, these
chemicals may be discharged to rivers and bays. Even at very low levels,
medicines in the environment hurt aquatic life.
Throwing them out with the
trash is also dangerous. Drugs are still chemically active in the
trash, even if mixed with kitty litter or coffee grounds. Several
studies have shown that medicines in a landfill can be released into the
local environment.
The best and safest option
for disposing of unwanted medications is to drop them off at designated
disposal sites like the Cheltenham Township Police Station.