For Hub City Times

Marshfield Area Coalition for Youth (MACY) is working to make Marshfield the best place to raise a family. Formed in 1990, MACY strives to reduce and prevent underage drinking, prescription drug abuse, and heroin and marijuana use by Marshfield youth as well as reduce youth-related mental health disparities. The work of the coalition is supported by Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach and more than 200 members representing more than 40 organizations in Marshfield.

One committee, the MACY Drug Task Force, focuses on the prevention of prescription drug abuse and heroin use in Marshfield. In 2015 a survey was conducted to gauge the community’s perception of the drug issue in Marshfield. Based on survey results, the campaign Held Hostage by Heroin was developed to raise community awareness and provide education. To view the 2015 survey results, visit marshfield4youth.org/heldhostage.

The survey was repeated in 2016 to gauge community change. In recognition of the campaign, MACY is conducting community presentations for those interested in learning about the severity of Marshfield’s drug problem and the coalition’s efforts in place to prevent drug use.

Held Hostage by Heroin provides a clear message that everyone can play a part in drug prevention:

—Lock up your prescription medications.

—Dispose of unused or unwanted prescription medications at a law enforcement agency or prescription drug take-back event.

—Watch for signs of drug use.

—Join MACY in preventing youth substance use.

—Report crimes to the Wood County Crime Stoppers tip line.

Ask an officer

Question: What happens to the prescription medications that are taken to the Marshfield Police Department or a prescription drug take-back event?

Answer: Prescription medications are securely stored at Marshfield Police Department until they can be transported to be burnt in an incinerator. Currently the Wisconsin Department of Justice and National Drug Enforcement Administration provide funding for the prescription medications to be transported and disposed of out of state.

To schedule a MACY Drug Task Force presentation or submit “ask an officer” questions, contact Ashley Normington, Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach, at 715-221-8421 or [email protected]