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Mandatory DUI Checkpoints for New Years Eve

 Mandatory DUI Checkpoints Channel 10 news out of St. Petersburg, Florida is reporting that Florida is implementing "No Refusal" checkpoints for the upcoming New Years Eve celebration.  A "No Refusal" means that if you refuse a breath alcohol test during a traffic stop you will be issued a warrant by an on-site presiding judge that will allow police to perform a mandatory alcohol blood test. There are two sides to ever story so here are the prevailing arguments for and against the mandatory DUI checkpoints: CON: Keving Hayslett, a DUI defense attorney believes that the the mandatory blood test as a violation of constitutional rights.  Hayslett continued his argument by saying, "It's a slippery slope and it's got to stop somewhere." He concluded, "what other misdemeanor offense do we have in the United States where the government can forcefully put a needle into your arm?" PRO: Linda Unfried, from Mother's Against Drunk D

Vivitrol Enhances The Treatment for Heroin and Opiod Addiction

The U.S.D.A recently approved the drug Vivitrol for the treatment of opioid  and heroin addiction. Vivitrol is an extended release formulation of naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist. Clinical trials have shown Vivitrol to be effective in preventing not only relapse to drug use following detoxification, but also to diminish cravings that often drive it. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)  reported that heroin addiction afflicts an estimated 810,000 people in this country. NIDA's website states that in 2008, 1.85 million people in the U.S. met the diagnostic criteria for abuse or dependence on opioid pain relievers, such as Oxycontin and Vicodin.

Marijuana Smoking Increases as Binge Drinking Slows Among U.S. Teens

The federal government recently issued the results of their annual drug abuse survey in which they concluded that U.S. teens are gravitating more towards smoking marijuana than cigarettes and fewer are binge-drinking. Government Survey Data The survey of 46,482 students from 396 schools found that 16 percent of eighth-graders, typically 13 and 14 years old, admitted to using marijuana, up from 14.5 percent in 2009. More than 21 percent of high school seniors, aged 17 and 18, said they had used marijuana in the past 30 days, while 19.2 percent said they smoked cigarettes. This is the first time marijuana use has passed cigarette use in the survey. About 23 percent of high school seniors admitted to binge drinking in the past two weeks, compared to 25 percent in 2009 and 31.5 percent in 1998. The survey found more than 6 percent of high school seniors use marijuana every day, up from 5 percent last year. More than 3 percent of 10th graders and 1 percent of eighth graders said t

Top Big Ten University Looks to Tighten Up Drug Testing Protocols

The University of Iowa aims to reinforce their drug testing policy after it was determined that several of the school's football players have found ways to avoid or sidestep the testing. The program suffered another "black-eye" after the arrest of Derrell Johnson-Koulianos a Hawkeye wide receiver. Johnson-Koulianos was arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.   Athletics Director Gary Barta said, "We did find pretty strong evidence there are a couple ways our student-athletes have, and probably have at some point, gotten around the test in some way."   Kirk Ferentz , Iowa 's Football coach saw a need to " tighten up " their drug-testing system." Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation ( MMC ) with offices nationwide, offers a vast array of compatible screening solutions designed to meet any Drug Free Workplace initiative nationwide. MMC works directly on the college campus to collect tests, reinforce testing protocols and manage data.

Synthetic Marijuana Making Local and National Headlines

Synthetic Marijuana, also known as "K-2" or "Spice" is a mixture of common herbs sprayed with synthetic chemicals that mirror the high of Marijuana. The synthetic product is sold as incense in head shops, tobacco stores and convenient stores. So far, twelve states have banned the sale of Synthetic Marijuana - (Kansas, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky). The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that within the past year there have been over 500 cases of negative reactions to the still legal yet dangerous drug. On the national level the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently designated certain chemicals that are present within Synthetic Marijuana to the same category that heroin and LSD are part of and further emphasizes the need to be able to test blood and urine for Synthetic Marijuana use. On the local level- The Herald Online reported that Fort Mill,

2009 SAMHSA Report Has 20% of U.S. Adults as Mentally Ill

A recent SAMHSA report concluded that nearly 20% of U.S. Adults had some form of mental illness in 2009 - with 11 million having severe illnesses. The SAMHSA report stated that, "Young adults aged 18 to 25 had the highest level of mental illness at 30 percent, while those aged 50 and older had the lowest, with 13.7 percent." The survey results gravitate towards the impact of record unemployment rates, which last year hit a 25-year high as struggling employers slashed jobs to cope with a weak economy. The chain of events starts with loss of employment and then loss of health insurance, leaving many unable to get treatment. Pamela Hyde, SAMHSA's administrator said, "The consequences for individuals, families and communities can be devastating. If left untreated mental illnesses can result in disability, substance abuse , suicides, lost productivity, and family discord."

Arizona Passes Medical Marijuana Act

Arizona became the 15th state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana by approving Proposition 203, which legalizes marijuana for medical use.   Under the measure, physicians can prescribe marijuana for patients with "debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and Alzheimer's disease." Patients, who will be required to register with the state health department, will be able to purchase up to two-and-a-half ounces of marijuana every two weeks at licensed dispensaries, or to cultivate their own plants if they live too far away from approved outlets. The 14 other states that have enacted laws that legalize medical marijuana (Date Legalized) include: Alaska (1998) California (1996) Colorado (2004) Hawaii (2000) Maine (1999) Michigan (2008) Montana (2004) Nevada (2000) New Jersey (2010) New Mexico (2007) Oregon (1998) Rhode Island (2006) Vermont (2004) Washington (1998) The Federal Court System has ruled that the

Election Alert - California Votes "No" on Proposition 19 - Marijuana Legalization

Yesterday, California citizens voted down Proposition 19. Yahoo News reported that if passed Prop 19 would have allowed adults 21 and over to possess up to an ounce of pot, consume it in nonpublic places as long as no children were present, and grow it in small private plots. It also would have authorized local governments to permit commercial pot cultivation, as well as the sale and use of marijuana at licensed establishments. White House Drug Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske said, "Today, Californians recognized that legalizing marijuana will not make our citizens healthier, solve California's budget crisis, or reduce drug related violence in Mexico. Even if Proposition 19 passed, federal authorities would have fought against it claiming federal jurisdiction.

Alcohol Tops List of Most Lethal and Destructive Substances According to Brits

British substance abuse experts recently conducted a study where they evaluated substances and drugs and ranked them based on how destructive they are to individuals and to society. The substances that were reviewed included: Alcohol, Cocaine, Heroin, Ecstasy, Marijuana, Crack, LSD, Meth. The study showed that alcohol outranked all other substances.  Experts believe that alcohol ranked so high because it is so widely used and has devastating consequences not only for drinkers but for those around them.  A professor of psychiatry and addiction at the University of Amsterdam said, "Just think about what happens (with alcohol) at every football game." The professor concluded, "When drunk in excess, alcohol damages nearly all organ systems. It is also connected to higher death rates and is involved in a greater percentage of crime than most other drugs , including heroin."

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Helping to Safely Rebuild Ground Zero

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) was recently at Ground Zero in New York City to perform on-site contractor substance abuse testing. MMC's Mobile On-site Medical Testing Unit rolled on-site to conveniently test employees who were working on Ground Zero construction projects. MMC is proud to be part of the safe rebuilding effort at Ground Zero. When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing programs, Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) offers a vast array of compatible screening solutions designed to meet any Drug Free Workplace initiative nationwide. MMC's certified collection technicians all pass a rigorous DATIA training course. MMC partners with the largest accredited laboratories in the nation which allows us to truly be involved from start to finish on every drug test we perform for our clients. All of Mobile Medical Corporation's laboratory partners are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (S

Mobile Medical Corporation - Comprehensive On-site Industrial Medical Services

On-site Industrial Medical Services & First Aid Stations Mobile Medical Corporation's on-site medical team is is equipped to assist employees with injuries and/or medical conditions, as well as provide physical therapy and other health related services to those working on-site. MMC’s onsite medical facility is stocked with all of the necessary medical supplies and equipment to successfully handle first-aid treatment of work site injuries. MMC ’s facility can also treat headaches, insect bites, upset stomachs and many other minor symptoms. The on-site facility is equipped with telephone, fax and  network computer capabilities. Jobsite Drug and Alcohol Testing MMC can conduct all of your pre-employment and post-accident drug testing on the job site, which means no unnecessary off-site travel for your employees! Contact MMC today for details on our competitively priced testing solutions. Bundled packages includes drug and alcohol testing and free online verifications and p

Protect Your Employees and Workplace through Methamphetamine Drug Screening

The staggering cost of methamphetamine use in America reached an all-time high in 2005 at over $23 billion. A study, sponsored by the Meth Project Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse contributes the sky rocketing costs to: Burden of Addiction Premature Death Drug Treatment Lost Work Productivity Theft and Violence Health Care Child Endangerment Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug that is similar in structure to amphetamine. Due to its high potential for abuse, methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II drug and is available only through a prescription that cannot be refilled. Although methamphetamine can be prescribed by a doctor, its medical uses are limited, and the doses that are prescribed are much lower than those typically abused. Most of the methamphetamine abused in this country comes from foreign or domestic superlabs, although it can also be made in small, illegal laboratories, where its production endangers the people in the

Pittsburgh Based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) - Wise to the Drug Test Cheat!

Dishonest people will try anything to cheat on their pre-employment drug test. Recently, a West Side Chicago woman paid a 9-year old boy $1.00 for his clean urine. When the young boy went home and told his mother about what had occurred the mother immediately called police. The woman was later arrested by police and charged with assault. The lady told police that she needed the "Clean Pee" to pass an pre-employment drug test. Earlier in the year Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) blogged about several instances of drug test cheating that included a man who was caught by his probation officer with a "yellow like tube with urine" in his possession right before his test. Cheating devices like the "Whizzanator" usually make the headlines when it comes to cheating. Even novelty gag stores are in the cheating game with stocked synthetic urine. Drug testing companies like Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) are wise to these games. If a user is

Mobile Medical Corporation's Mobile Drug Testing Unit On The Road!

Mobile Medical Corporation recently added a new graphics package to their Mobile Drug Testing Unit in an effort to enhance marketing presence on the road and at job sites!  When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing programs, Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) offers a vast array of compatible screening solutions designed to meet any Drug Free Workplace initiative nationwide. MMC's certified collection technicians all pass a rigorous DATIA training course. MMC partners with the largest accredited laboratories in the nation which allows us to truly be involved from start to finish on every drug test we perform for our clients. All of Mobile Medical Corporation's laboratory partners are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to meet all strict government requirements. Schedule MMC's Mobile Drug Testing Unit for an on-site drug and alcohol testing today! Pittsburgh, PA - 888-662-8358

Changes to 49 CFR Part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs Effective October 1, 2010

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC)  Drug Testing Industry Alert! Introduction The Omnibus Transportation Employees Testing Act (Omnibus Act) requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to follow Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) requirements for testing procedures/protocols and drugs. Most of the changes to 49 CFR Part 40 were made to meet specific DHHS guidelines for laboratory procedures, drug cut-off levels, and drugs. These guidelines apply to federal employees and employees in federally regulated industries, such as transportation and nuclear, as well as state regulations that mandate compliance with DHHS guidelines. Changes On October 1, 2010, The following changes to the DHHS and DOT drug testing panel will be required: Amphetamines § Decrease the Amphetamines screening cutoff from 1000 ng/mL to 500 ng/mL; § Decrease the confirmation cutoff of both amphetamine and methamphetamine from 500 ng/mL to 250 ng/mL; § Only MDMA is added as a specific target d

Coming Soon to America - Roadside Drug Testing By Law Enforcement Agencies

The Michigan House of Representatives recently introduced a bill that would allow police to conduct roadside drug testing for reasonable cause. The tests would be in the same fashion as current DUI roadside alcohol testing. Police would utilize portable substance abuse testing devices which would rapidly show results. Rick Jones a Representative of the state legislature and former county sheriff stated that, "Police could know within minutes whether a driver is high on drugs." Other countries such as Australia already use roadside drug testing . The police force in New South Wales, Australia has rolled out their new state-of-the-art drug testing vans. The new vans are equipped with wireless Evidential Breath Analysis instruments, mobile data terminals, and storage for RDT samples. The new vehicles will increase the police force's armada to a total of 13. Vehicles in service include: 5 new drug testing vans along with 3 older roadside units which are equipped to test mot

Mobile Medical Corporation's Tips For a Healthy Workplace

Get plenty of rest, exercise and relaxation and be sure to eat a healthy diet. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. Be sure to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Avoid spreading germs by touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, in the workplace these items might be telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, computer mouse, etc. Try not use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. Don’t spread the flu! If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home. Symptoms of flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. The CDC recommendsthat

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Drug Testing Industry Alert: Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs take effect on October 1, 2010

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) revisions to the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs take effect on October 1, 2010.   Be prepared! Call  MMC today to find out how the new revisions will affect your drug screening policy Toll Free 1-888-662-8358 DOT Panel Changes – 49 CFR Part 40 ECSTASY MDMA Adds testing for Ecstasy (MDMA). Screening cut-off for MDMA is set at 500 ng/mL, with confirmation for MDMA, MDA, and MDEA at 250 ng/mL. MANDATORY TESTING FOR HEROINE Adding 6-AM Heroin Metabolite to Opiate Screening REDUCED CUTOFF AND SCREENING LEVELS Cocaine Current: 300 ng/mL screening - New: 150 ng/mL screening Current: 150 ng/mL confirmation - New 100 ng/mL confirmation Amphetamines Current: 1000 ng/mL screening - New: 500 ng/mL screening Current: 500 ng/mL confirmation - New: 250 ng/mL confirmation When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing programs, Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC

The U.S. Department of Transportation's Over the Limit - Under Arrest Campaign Begins

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently kicked off the annual Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign aimed at getting drunk drivers off the road.  U.S.Secretary of Transportation LaHood said that, “Drunk driving is deadly, it’s against the law, and unfortunately, it’s still a problem.” LaHood concluded, “With the help of law enforcement around the country, we are going to continue doing all that we can to stop drunk driving and the needless tragedies that result from this reckless behavior.” One Out of Five Are Drinker-Drivers According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Twenty percent of the public 16 and older had in the past year driven a motor vehicle within two hours of drinking alcohol. About two-thirds of these, or 13% of the total population 16 and older had done so in the past 30 days. The survey produced an estimate of 85.5 million past-month drinking-driving trips, up from 73.7 million trips in 2004 and reversing a declining tren

Mobile Medical Corporation Will Be Exhibiting at SEMTA 2010 in Panama City Beach Florida

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) will be attending the 2010 SEMTA Conference in Panama City Beach, Florida from Tuesday, August 24 to Thursday, August 26.  MMC will be exhibiting Wednesday and Thursday.  Stop on by and see how we can enhance your work place safety and risk management protocols. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a premier provider of workplace substance abuse testing and on-site medical services nationwide . MMC's on-site nursing and first-aid solutions provide construction projects with an industry leading first response emergency team that can quickly take charge and treat minor injuries and accidents. MMC's on-site medical services team enhances any projects administrative and injury reporting capabilities and truly enables employers to keep track of daily work site incidents. Mobile Medical Corporation provides numerous in-depth injury job site reports to project managers and safety directors including initial treatment and follow-up treatment injury re

Schools With Random Drug Testing Programs Can Teach Employers How To Keep Workplace Safe!

Random Drug Testing Businesses should learn from a recent study of random drug testing in our nation's school system. A recent study by the Institute of Education Sciences reported that students subject to random drug tests in their schools reported less substance abuse than students in schools with out a testing program. Employers should analyze the broad results of this study and apply it to their work force. Marc Keith, Port Neches-Groves High School Principal believes that the random drug-testing program at his school, which is in its third year, is an effective tool for reducing drug instances on campus. Keith concluded, "I know the data we've seen through the years have shown a lot less drug activity," he said. Employers should consult with an industry expert when implementing employee drug testing. Mobile Medical Corporation, a Pittsburgh based drug testing and occupational medical services firm offers on-site and mobile drug collection options for the foll

Drug Abuse Made Clearer With Help From Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC)

When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing programs, Pittsburgh based Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) offers a vast array of compatible screening solutions designed to meet any Drug Free Workplace initiative nationwide. MMC's certified collection technicians all pass a rigorous DATIA training course. MMC partners with the largest accredited laboratories in the nation which allows us to truly be involved from start to finish on every drug test we perform for our clients. All of Mobile Medical Corporation's laboratory partners are certified by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to meet all strict government requirements. Think About... DRUG: Drugs are substances that are not food or nutrition, that when put into the body, change the way the body works or the way the person feels or thinks. ADDICTION:   A state of physical or mental dependence on a substance, especially an illegal drug or one liable to have a da

Mobile Medical Corporation's (MMC) On-site Medical Services and Job Site Drug Testing Enhancing Jobsite Safety

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) is a premier provider of workplace substance abuse testing and on-site medical services nationwide.  MMC's onsite nursing and first-aid solutions provide construction projects with an industry leading first response emergency team that can quickly take charge and treat minor injuries and accidents.  MMC's on-site medical services team enhances any projects administrative and injury reporting capabilities and truly enables employers to keep track of daily work site incidents.  Mobile Medical Corporation provides numerous in-depth injury job site reports to project managers and safety directors including initial treatment and follow-up treatment injury reports.  Contact MMC today to find more about our cost saving on-site medical solutions. Mobile Medical Corporation's corporate headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  MMC has  satellite offices in Cleveland ,OH - Baltimore , MD - Astoria, NY - Paramus, NJ and Sacramento, CA.

Oakland California Allows Cultivation of Medical Marijuana

Oakland, California will soon issue up to 4 permits for the Establishment of marijuana ranches that will legally be able to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes. Oakland hopes to standardize the marijuana farms and bring them into the mainstream. The city's goal is to be able to tax medical marijuana two-fold. Oakland already taxes the sale of medical marijuana and once the pot farms begin growing their product the city will levy a cultivation tax also. Oakland government official Jean Quan stated, "This is going to grow as an industry. And someone is going to have a high-tech producer." The Federal Court System has ruled that the Federal guidelines supersede the States when dealing with compassionate laws on marijuana use. The Supreme Court has ruled that employers and the government can prosecute in those states that have compassionate laws on marijuana use. Employers need not accommodate the state rule. When it comes to quality employment drug testing solutions em

Keeping Your Employees Safe on Outdoor Construction Sites - Keeping an Eye on West Nile Virus

With most Summer construction related employment taking place on open air job sites, safety managers need to be aware of all outdoor risks including West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus is a seasonal epidemic in North America that flares up in the summer and continues into the fall. Most often the virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite. Even a small outbreak of West Nile Virus could lead to employee absenteeism, loss of time and money and other project delays and interruptions. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control ( CDC ) Up to 20% of the people who become infected have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several

Uncle Sam Claims Abuse of Prescription Pain Medication Increased 400% over Ten Year Span

The White House Office of Drug Control Policy recently issued the findings of a drug study performed during 1998 to 2008. The policy group found that during that decade there was a 400% increase in the number of people admitted for treatment for abusing prescription pain medicine. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the White House Office of Drug Control Policy, declared that prescription drug abuse is now the second-most prevalent form of illicit drug use in the country, and the nation's fastest-growing drug problem. The government target group for this study included every gender, race, ethnicity, education and employment level and covered all regions of the country. In a previous blog on prescription abuse, MMC reported that Mark Long, chief of the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation Narcotics Bureau believes that, "Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Methadone and Fentanyl are the four most commonly abused prescription painkillers." OxyContin has become a t

Pennsylvania Next on Medical Marijuana Stage

The PA House Committee on Health and Human Services recently heard testimony from users and advocates of medical marijuana who argue that the drug should be legalized because it is effective in treating pain. the State Attorney General and members of the Senate are not likely to schedule a vote on the bill anytime soon though. The bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Cohen would authorize the state Department of Health to issue ID cards to patients who have been diagnosed by a physician with a debilitating medical condition, such as cancer or HIV, and whose physician recommended the use of marijuana. Patients under 18 could use marijuana, as well, with the consent of a parent or custodian. State Attorney General Tom Corbett opposes the bill warning that even the limited legalization of marijuana could compound the dangers that drugs present to society. 14 states have enacted laws that legalize medical marijuana (Date Legalized) Alaska (1998) California (1996) Colorado (2004) Hawaii (2000) Maine

Iowa Law Enforcement pulls over Drunk Lawn Mower Rider

The Demoines Register reported that a 28 year old man was pulled over while riding a lawn mover... On the highway! Robert Grimstad was seen swerving all over the road and when police finally caught up to the perpetrator they found his blood alcohol content to be .190. Grimstad's reason for cruising on his mower down highway 17 - he was out collecting cans on the side of the road. Boone County Sheriff Ron Fehr was asked if Grimstad was speeding when he was pulled over and Fehr replied "I don't know, how fast does a lawn mower go?" Fehr stated that "In Iowa, it's illegal to drive any motor vehicle anywhere while intoxicated - he could have been charged while mowing his own lawn." Robert Grimstad had been in trouble with the law before as he has two DUI charges, a public intoxication and a record for driving with a revoked license. By the way average riding mowers can travel between 5 to 7 MPH. Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels & The Implied Consent

Lindsay Lohan Violates DUI Probation - Heading to Jail

Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan was recently sentenced to 90 days in jail for violating the probation of her 2007 DUI conviction. Lohan's violation stemmed from her failing to attend court-ordered alcohol education classes. Lohan will also have to go through 90 days in-patient rehabilitation. In an earlier blog , Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm Mobile Medical Corporaton ( MMC ) reported on Lohan's earlier run in with the law stemming from her alcohol abuse. In May, Lohan was issued a SCRAM bracelet which measures blood alcohol content ( BAC ) and if a person has used alcohol it relays that signal to the monitoring company. She also was ordered to participate in Random Drug Testing. Judge Marsha Revel said, "She knew the prosecutor would be asking for jail time and yet still after all that, she didn't comply with the court order and the court does find her in violation of her probation." Whether it is a Hollywood starlet or a multi-employer construction project

SAMHSA Reports ER Visits Soar On 4th of July Weekend for Underage Drinkers

According to SAMHSA's newest press release, emergency room visits for underage drinkers on and around the 4 th of July holiday are almost 90% higher than on any other average day in July. SAMHSA statistics have hospital visits on any other normal day in July at 502 and on the 4 th of July Weekend ER visits soar to 938! SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.says, "Underage drinking is not a harmless right of passage. It has far-reaching consequences. In addition to emergency department visits, injuries, arrests and embarrassment, 5,000 deaths in people under age 21 are linked to alcohol each year." to read the full report click here .

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) "Gets Greener" with Launch of Online Drug Testing Collection Facility Locator

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) has recently unveiled it's new enhanced online collection facility locator . MMC's effort to " Get Greener " eliminates the consumption of paper, the need for mailings and reduces the waste of other valuable resources while making it easier for our clients to go online and select a convenient location to take their drug test. MMC's corporate headquarters is located in Western Pennsylvania and covers regional Pittsburgh Drug Testing and National On-site Medical Services . MMC has regional offices in Cleveland, OH - Baltimore, MD - Astoria, NY - Sacramento, CA and Paramus, NJ. Green Philanthropy Whether it is locally or globally, MMC's philanthropic efforts focus on improving the world around us. If you have a cause that you would like us to know about please contact us today !

Athens, Tennessee "weeding" out substance abusers before they even take their drug tests!

David Millsaps of Athens, TN was caught with methamphetamine when he showed up to take his probation drug test . When Millsaps was asked to empty his pockets he pulled out the meth and the smoking apparatus. Needless to say Millsaps was arrested for possession of a schedule II Narcotic and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Last week Athens, TN police arrested a different parolee for possession of 20 grams of pot. He too pulled the drugs out of his pocket prior to taking his drug test.

Peru is Now Biggest Producer of Coca Leaf Used to Make Cocaine

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has reported that Peru has become the top producer of the coca leaf which is the main component in making cocaine. Peruvian production has overtaken long time leader Colombia. The UN claims that government efforts in the drug war in Colombia are responsible for that country's decline in production. Peruvian production has grown two-fold over the past 10 years and has increased the country's world supply to about 45%. Colombia's share has fallen to 39%. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC), a Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm continually monitors the media for drug news and drug testing news items. MMC can help you with all of your substance abuse testing and on-site medical services needs. MMC works closely with all clients to establish affordable and focused drug testing protocols that comply with both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing programs. Contact us today!

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) Opens Regional Office in Astoria, Queens to Provide Employment Drug Testing Services to the New York City Metro Area

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC), a premier provider of on-site Medical Services and Drug Testing programs has recently opened a regional office in Astoria, New York. MMC's newest location provides enhanced capabilities to administer Substance Abuse Testing programs locally to the New York City area. Mobile Medical Corporation 23-90 23rd Street Astoria, New York 11105 Phone: 718-777-8361 MMC's corporate headquarters is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with regional offices in Cleveland, OH - Baltimore, MD - Sacramento, CA - Houston, TX and Paramus, NJ. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) has scalable services to fit any drug testing and onsite medical services needs. From large construction projects to small random employee drug testing pools - MMC has you covered. On a day to day basis MMC works closely with contractors, labor unions and facility owners to supply a vast range of services designed to promote workplace safety and reduce costs.

Mobile Medical Corporation Providing On-site Medical Services to the Construction Industry

Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) provides solutions based on-site medical services and drug testing for the construction industry. Our service features administering multi-employer projects for facility owners, contractors, and Owner Controlled Insurance programs(OCIP and CCIP) nationwide. SERVICES Our primary services include substance abuse testing, onsite medical services and nursing and first-aid stations and physical examinations for OSHA compliance for the construction industry. MMC’s solution based programs are comprehensive and include: program set up, user training, testing and data management and reporting. ONSITE MEDICAL FACILITIES MMC's on-site medical services and first aid station trailers are customized to meet the client’s needs. MMC uses trailers ranging in all sizes (ex. 8’ x 32’ to 24’ x 60’). The trailer comes with computer, phone and office supplies required to support the project. INFORMATION SHARING Our proprietary database application SkillCheck™ features

New Jersey Cop Fails Drug Test - Positive for Oxycontin

Trenton Police Officer Elsie Vega-Medina has been suspended for testing positive for Oxycontin during her latest drug test . The Trentonian reported that the officer was injured a few years ago when she fell from her horse while on mounted patrol. A prescription for the Oxy would have probably shielded the officer from a suspension but the script has not yet turned up. OxyContin is a narcotic drug that was approved by FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. OxyContin contains Oxycodone HCl , an opioid agonist with an addiction potential similar to that of morphine. The pharmacological effects of OxyContin , a brand name formulation of the Schedule II narcotic Oxycodone , make it attractive to abusers as it offers reliable strength and dosage levels and may, in some instances, be covered by the abuser's health insurance. Abusers have discovered that the controlled release formula of OxyContin can be easily compromised allowing inhalation or injection for a powerful,

SAMHSA Touts Benefits of Substance Abuse Treatment

A recent SAMHSA communication has concluded that the benefits of substance abuse treatment far outweigh the costs! SAMHSA's latest information piece points out: Even beyond the enormous physical and psychological costs, treatment can save money by diminishing the huge financial consequences imposed on employers and taxpayers. The limited research in some States suggests that there is a major benefit to substance abuse treatment. According to recent estimates, the total financial cost of drug use disorders to the United States is estimated to be $180 billion annually. The economic costs of alcohol abuse were 184.6 billion in 1998. In studies performed in Washington D.C., New York and California... For every $100,000 spent on treatment... $487,000 of health care costs and $700,000 of crime costs were shown to be avoided. Employers Highlight According the SAMHSA study, employees treated for substance Abuse have an almost 75% reduction in... Absenteeism Tardiness On the job injuries Mi

Former New York City Cop Distressed After Being Fired For Drinking Tea Made from the Coca Plant

Alvaro Casado is suing the NYPD for being unfairly fired after testing positive on his drug test for cocaine. Casado had been sipping on tea made from the Coca plant which is known for producing cocaine. Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant. It is a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant. A twist in the story is that Casado is also a member of the Air National Guard which concluded that he didn't knowingly take any illegal drug and is o.k. to serve. Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC), a Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm continually monitors the media for drug testing news items. MMC can help you with all of your substance abuse testing and on-site medical services needs. MMC works closely with all clients to establish affordable and focused drug testing protocols that comply with both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing programs. Contact us today !

Drug Testing Hits Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan

The recent heroin overdose of an Australian Commando in Afghanistan last week has prompted the Aussie High Command to start drug testing the entire Special Operations Task Force in that theater. The Australian military regularly random drug tests its soldiers but with the prominence of heroin and the elevated risk of addiction, testing has been elevated. Facts point out that Afghanistan produces 93% of the world's opium, the key ingredient of heroin. Dr Alex Wodak, director of the Alcohol and Drug Service at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney says, "Drug use was a major problem for Soviet troops in Afghanistan and the US military is also now facing an increase in addiction." Dr Ben Wadham, an expert on army culture from Flinders University in South Australia concluded,"Drinking has always been an issue in the military and remains so, but even more so drugs become a way of young men dealing with the stressors of the military but also bonding together."

Lindsay Lohan Leaves Court Accessorized with New Bracelet and Random Drug Testing Orders

Actress Lindsay Lohan who is riding the legal carousel stemming from her 2007 DUI charge recently escaped a warrant for arrest. A warrant was issued as Lohan was a no show for her mandatory court appearance last week. Lohan and her legal counsel accepted a court order to abstain from alcohol and to wear an alcohol monitoring bracelet. The SCRAM bracelet measures blood alcohol content (BAC) and if a person has used alcohol it relays that signal to the monitoring company. Lohan was also ordered to take random substance abuse testing to remain free on bond. If Lohan misses any of her random tests it will be perceived as a refusal to test which means a positive test. In addition, Lohan is enrolled in a 13 week alcohol awareness course in which she has completed 10 weeks so far. Whether it is a Hollywood starlet or a multi-employer construction project Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) provides compliant and multi-leveled (Pre-Employment, Annual, Random, For-Cause, etc.) substance abuse tes

Memorial Day Weekend Approaching Increases Focus on Traffic Safety

Federal Seatbelt Campaign: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today announced that while seat belt use is at a record high 84 percent nationwide, 45 million Americans are still not buckling up when riding in motor vehicles. In an effort to increase belt use and save lives, the Secretary today kicked off Click It or Ticket , a national enforcement mobilization that encourages all motorists to wear their seat belts – day and night. Drivers caught not wearing their seat belt run the risk of being ticketed. Driving Under the Influence: While Memorial Day is synonymous with BBQ's, swimming pools and picnics it is becoming one of the top holidays for Drunk Driving. Law enforcement agencies are ramping up their DUI checkpoints Nationwide. Here are some 2009 Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Statistics from both the West and East Coasts: Oregon Oregon enforcement statistics for the 2009 Memorial Day holiday period noted troopers arrested 88 people for DUI. Five people died in four sep

Office of Drug and Alcohol Control Unveils New Web Look

The Office of Drug & Alcohol Policy & Compliance (ODAPC) has recently unveiled it's new online design and scheme. The ODAPC's design effort will make the site more in tune with the recent overall DOT enhancements. The new site is home to the ever important 49 CFR Part 40 (Drug & Alcohol Regulation). To visit the site please click here . Mobile Medical Corporation ( MMC ), a Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm continually monitors the media for drug testing news items. MMC can help you with all of your substance abuse testing needs. MMC works closely with all clients to establish affordable and focused drug testing protocols that comply with both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Non-Federal testing programs. Contact us today!

CHEATERS DON'T WIN! NC Man's Tricks Backfire During Drug Test

Jeffrey Selph has found himself in the jailhouse for trying to cheat and beat his drug test. Selph was caught by his probation officer with a "yellow like tube with urine" in his possession right before his test. Selph was booked on a charge of defraud drug/alcohol screening tests under a $3,000 bond. Other Drug Test Cheating Stories on MMC's Drug Free Blog... U.S. Airways Express Pilot Doubled As Drug Testing Cheat Entrepreneur Pittsburgh Court Sentences Maker of "Whizzinator" Drug Testing Cheat Device If You Are Going to Cheat On Your Drug Test... Be Prepared to Face The Consequences! Lawrence Taylor's Drug Riddled Past Re-Examined by New Charges Synthetic Human Urine Employed To Pass Drug Tests Illinois Man Caught Cheating on Urine Drug Test Mobile Medical Corporation ( MMC ), a Pittsburgh Drug Testing firm continually monitors the news outlets for incidents of drug test cheating in order to provide further information on the topic. Mobile Medical Corp

President Obama Unveils 2010 National Drug Control Strategy

President Obama recently released the 2010 National Drug Control Strategy. The 2010 National Drug Control Strategy calls for a 15 percent reduction in the rate of youth drug use over 5 years and similar reductions in chronic drug use and drug-related consequences, such as drug deaths and drugged driving. The Policy's key objects are: Strengthen Efforts to Prevent Drug Use in Our Communities Seek Early Intervention Opportunities in Health Care Integrate Treatment for Substance Use Disorders into Health Care, and Expand Support for Recovery Break the Cycle of Drug Use, Crime, Delinquency, and Incarceration Disrupt Domestic Drug Trafficking and Production Strengthen International Partnerships Improve Information Systems for Analysis, Assessment, and Local Management National Drug Control Strategy Goals to be Attained by 2015 Goal 1: Curtail illicit drug consumption in America Decrease the 30-day prevalence of drug use among 12–17 year olds by 15% Decrease the lifetime prevalence of

PA State Troopers - 16,900 DUI's in 2009

The PA State Police announced that in 2009 they made 16,900 DUI arrests. The PA State Police boast that their efforts to keep alcohol impaired drivers off the road have reduced the rates of alcohol related driving fatalities and crashes. fatalities dropped 14% and vehicle crashes dropped 1%. In 2008 , State Police efforts snagged 16,156 on DUI's. PA State Police Commissioner Col. Frank E. Pawlowski said. "Our troopers are helping to save lives by cracking down hard on those who drink and drive." Pawlowski concluded, "It's clear that our efforts to keep impaired drivers off our roads in Pennsylvania are having a positive impact." The Office of National Drug Control Policy claims that drugs and alcohol cost taxpayers more than $300 billion annually in preventable health care costs, extra law enforcement, auto crashes, crime and lost job productivity. Mobile Medical Corporation's Random Drug Testing with Saliva Alcohol Testing can help employers to stem the

New York Police Department Lab Tech Accused of Faking Drug Test Results to Save Time

The New York Post is reporting that a lab tech in the New York Police Department's forensics lab allegedly took shortcuts to fake drug testing results to save time. Lab Tech Mariem Megella's efforts may have jeopardized thousands of criminal cases. According to the New York Post, Megella is accused of placing a positive cocaine tag on a sample that tested negative just to avoid walking over to another side of the building to fill out paperwork. Short-cuts and non-compliance in drug testing protocols should never be an option when people's lives are at stake. Whether it is a substance abuse analysis for a criminal proceeding or a drug screening for employment purposes, all testing should follow the strictest guidelines and conform to solid compliance standards. When it comes to compliant and multi-leveled substance abuse testing, Mobile Medical Corporation (MMC) offers a vast array of compatible screening solutions designed to meet any Drug Free Workplace initiative. M