In Greater Bendigo, 49 people died due to an overdose death involving pharmaceutical medications, accounting for more than 80 percent of total overdose deaths.

ScriptWise warmly invites you to a community discussion on strategies and ways to reduce medication harms in Bendigo with the upcoming implementation of Victoria’s real-time prescription monitoring system, SafeScript.

We know regional areas like Bendigo have been hardest hit by the big increase in medication dependence and overdose. We all know someone dealing with pain and medication problems.

This event is for the general public because this is an issue that can affect us all. It will give us the chance to talk about what we can do in our town to address it. Event highlights include:

+ a keynote address by a mum who lost her son to an accidental prescription medication overdose. Her story will shed a light on the key ways we can support people in need.

+ the screening of a short ScriptWise documentary called One Too Many

+ a panel of local health professionals and experts followed by a

+ question and answer session to ask any burning questions and discuss the issue in more depth

Please RSVP to register your attendance. Participants will also receive an information pack and have the opportunity to visit information tables after the event.

More information

This event is being held as part of ScriptWise's One Too Many initiative. ScriptWise is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preventing harms related to prescription medication through raising awareness, engagement and advocacy.

The One Too Many initiative has been launched in support of the Victorian government's implementation of its real-time prescription monitoring system, SafeScript. The initiative is dedicated to:

+ Raising awareness about the risks associated with long-term use of prescription medications such as opioids
+ Ensuring Victorians understand the role and importance of SafeScript in saving lives across the State
+ Promoting preventative strategies and activities within communities

To find out more about SafeScript visit: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/public-health/drugs-and-poisons/safescript

To find out more about One Too Many visit: www.scriptwise.org.au/one-too-many