G.L.A.S.S. Announces Support of SB 307 (Simitian)

March 09, 2005 - 04:49pm [US Midwest] MEDIA CONTACT: Howard Jacobs
For Immediate Release (310) 358-8727
Sue North
(916) 445-6747

G.L.A.S.S. ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF SB 307 (SIMITIAN)

Legislation Denies Access to Dextromethorphan for Youth Under the Age of 18 Without Physician Prescription

March 3, 2004 (Los Angeles, CA) Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, Inc. (GLASS) announces its support of SB 307 (Simitian), a bill that denies youth under the age of 18 access to over the counter medications containing the drug Dextromethorphan, or DXM, without a prescription. DXM is contained in products such as Robotussin and Coricidin. Commonly called robo-tripping among youth, abuse of products that contain DXM can lead to hallucinations and death.

According to GLASS Executive Director, Terry DeCrescenzo, “ We have seen an increase of Coricidin abuse among LGBT foster youth and among youth in general. Our internal reports and local statistics from the Centers for Poison Control indicate DXM abuse is a significant problem. Our children report learning about the effects of DXM from other school age peers, which indicates abuse of DXM, is widespread among youth in Los Angeles County. There are also several websites dedicated to “instructing” novice users on how to achieve the best “high” without having a stroke or other catastrophic outcome. We must reduce access to over the counter medications that have DXM and ensure that the product is used for its intended purpose. Legislation like SB 307 will save young people’s lives.”

State Senator Joe Simitian, the author of SB 307, said, “Frankly, I was skeptical at first when two local police officers came to me with this issue. But,” said Simitian, “after taking a closer look I became convinced that the problem is serious, widespread and growing. Kids make bad choices, and this is a choice that can have tragic consequences.”

Howard Jacobs, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for GLASS said, “ I am glad Senator Simitian recognizes this problem of DXM abuse by young people and agrees this issue is urgent. I am grateful for his leadership. Unfortunately, a similar bill was unsuccessful in last year’s legislative session, but I am hopeful with public support and greater education of legislators, SB 307 will make it to the Governor’s desk for his signature. SB 307 will be heard in the Senate Public Safety Committee and that is the first of its many hurdles. I encourage people who want to see this unnecessary harm to high risk youth reduced to call their elected officials in Sacramento and tell them to support SB 307.”

GLASS is a non-profit organization that serves LGBT foster and probationary youth in Los Angeles County and in the City of Oakland. GLASS has seven group homes, a foster family agency with three sites and 95 foster families, as well as programs offering a continuum of care for children unable to remain with their families, often due to their sexual orientation. GLASS ensures that the living, educational, medical, mental health, vocational, and recreational needs of LGBT foster youth are met via a variety of programs and services. For more information go to http://www.glassla.org. ###