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D.A.R.E Partners with MedSafe to Tackle Teen Prescription and Over the Counter Drug Abuse at Home

2.1 Million Teens Abuse Prescription Drugs Annually;

MedSafe Seeks to Secure 5 Million Homes by 2011

Los Angeles, CA November 11, 2009 -- With an estimated 2,500 children ages 12 to 17 taking a prescription painkiller recreationally for the first time each day, D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) announces a partnership with MedSafe, the developers of a state-of-the-art medication lock-box, to curb the problem where it most frequently starts – at home.  

“The prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse problem is the most prevalent one we’re faced with,” said Frank Pegueros, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of D.A.R.E. “In addition to education, there are practical steps parents can take to safeguard their children from the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Since over 90% of prescription drugs abused by children are obtained in their home or the home of relatives or fri, it’s essential to keep medications secure. We’re excited about our partnership with MedSafe because we believe locking up medications in the home could essentially eradicate the problem.”

Michael Rebando, a veteran locksmith of over two decades, developed the MedSafe following a near-tragic incident in which his four-year-old niece was rushed to the hospital after unknowingly consuming over-the-counter medication accidentally left on the kitchen counter.

“Before connecting with D.A.R.E, I was unaware of how far-reaching the prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse problem ext,” said Rebando, MedSafe founder and Chairman. “I don’t want parents to have to go through what my family went through when my niece was rushed to the emergency room.

I developed the MedSafe so that parents can rest assured knowing that their children and children’s friends are safe from the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs while in their home. Together with D.A.R.E, we’re working to help save our children’s lives.”

Fitting easily into most existing medicine cabinets and holding up to 15 bottles of medicine, the MedSafe features 19,500 changeable combinations. The electronic lock-box can be easily affixed to the inside of any medicine cabinet with four self-tapping screws included with each unit, and can also be stored in a dresser drawer, kitchen cabinet or closet door.

“One of the easiest ways for parents to keep their kids safe is to lock up their medications,” said Mistie Bell-Banks, Director of Marketing for D.A.R.E. “We have looked at several lock-boxes on the market and found that the MedSafe provides the simplest, most effective, user-friendly, and cost-efficient deterrent out there.”

“We’re creating a movement to protect our children,” added Rebando. “Our mission is to secure 5 million homes by 2011.”    

The MedSafe is normally $59.95, but is available for a limited time at $39.95 for D.A.R.E. and a portion of all proceeds will support prescription drug abuse awareness programs and events.

To learn more about the MedSafe, please visit www.helpsaveourkids.com.

Through constant re-invention over 25 years, D.A.R.E. has evolved to be more than just about resisting drug abuse. New D.A.R.E. programming on Internet safety, prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse, and cyber-bullying is empowering today’s kids to handle contemporary challenges to their safety and health.

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