Teen prescription drug abuse is on the rise. In fact, according to a 2008 study conducted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, nearly one in five—that’s 4.5 million—teenagers admitted to abusing medications not prescribed to him or her.
Sam’s Club must not be too concerned about this growing problem. Actually, they are so unconcerned about the problem that they decided it would be a good idea to get more kids in on the action: last week a Sam’s Club pharmacy in Salisbury, Maryland passed out candy in REAL prescription bottles. The store apparently wanted to promote the in-store pharmacy. Specifically, at the entrance of the store, where a Sam’s employee usually is present to check membership cards, employees were also passing out the prescription bottles filled with candy to children entering the store with their parents.
After several complaints about the promotion, Sam’s Club dropped the idea and issued an apology. The Sam’s Club Corporate Communications Manager called it an “isolated incident” and promised it would never happen again. Let’s hope not.
