Sparks on prescription drug database

                          Press Release

                                                               June 29, 2008

Bernie Sparks, candidate for the Executive Council in District 2, is in full support of a proposal outlined by Attorney General Kelly Ayotte to establish a central database that tracks prescription drugs that are prescribed legally but are sometimes abused by certain people who are "doctor shopping".

Tom Fahey, Sunday Union Leader, reported that AG Ayotte addressed the Executive Council on the plan last week. Sparks thinks Ayotte is doing a great job of being proactive trying to get positive support for this important program. It is always encouraging to a strong leader in the chief law enforcement position.

Sparks feels it is always important to protect the privacy rights of the citizens of New Hampshire, but people who need prescription drugs for valid medical reasons should not be adversely affected by being in the database as it will be purged periodically. Patterns of prescription drug abuse are usually clearly recognizable.

The important fact is that for every one of the 168 victims of drug overdoses last year, there were countless related victims that also suffer from inability to help prevent it. We need to provide the doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement officials the tools to do their jobs in an ethical manner.

Sparks has first hand knowledge of the importance of this issue as he has served as the Assistant Commander of the New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigation Unit in the past.

He currently owns a seminar training company, 21st Century Leadership LLC, and he speaks to company supervisors about "reasonable suspicion testing" and how to prevent drugs in the workplace. Prescription drug abuse in the workplace is easier than alcohol or some street drugs as "masking" the odors are not necessary. Drug abuse in the workplace can affect the safety of co-workers and supervisors as well as workers compensation rates.

For more information about the candidate go to:

www.workplaceandcorporatetrainers.com

www.nhemploymentagency.com               or call 603-226-WORK (9675)