This weekend kicks off Red Ribbon Week that's when law enforcement intensifies it's efforts to get the word out about drug abuse prevention. The DEA says prescription drug abuse is on the rise, and they are offering a valuable service this Saturday to help mitigate it.
The DEA is putting out white cardboard boxes at select locations with the hope it can cut down on prescription drug abuse and opioid addition, "Drug round-up, drug take back, whatever you want to call it. What it basically is people go through their homes to find old prescription drugs they are no longer using, and they bring it to us," said DEA Resident Agent-In-Charge Marc Kuzmicki.
There are collection boxes for National Drug Take-Back Day at select locations on Saturday. "Worst thing that could happen is that a kid or a family member could take the prescription drugs, overdose and die," said Agent Kuzmicki.
The DEA says the pandemic and the availability of prescription drugs are contributing to make this one of the worst times for prescription drug abuse. "People are just sitting at home. They have more time on their hands. A lot of it is lack of social interaction, which can lead to the mental aspects," said Agent Kuzmicki.
One of the best ways to cut down on the abuse is to eliminate the availability of the drugs.
"Everyone does it. They get a prescription. They take some of the medicine. The rest of it sits in the cabinet for a few years and you forget about it. Kids and family members around the house they can get their hands on it. They may take drugs that can hurt them or kill them," said Agent Kuzmicki.
Besides expired or unused medication, they're also collecting pet medication, injection needles, and even vaping devices. "It's important to go through your medicine cabinet and your house to make sure their aren't any unwanted or unused prescriptions that you no longer need. It is important to dispose of them properly," said Agent Kuzmicki.
Law enforcement will be at the pick-up sites making sure boxes are secure. The drugs can be dropped right into the box without being in contact with anyone. They will be there with masks and social distancing. So this should eliminate COVID concerns.
Last year, 3,700 lbs of prescription drugs were collected. Collection this Saturday, runs from 10 am to 2 pm. You can find boxes tomorrow at Raley's supermarkets in Incline Village and Wedge Parkway in Reno. Smith's supermarket on Baring boulevard, South Meadows Parkway and Lemmon Drive will have them as well. The Walmart on 7th Street in Reno and Reno's Elk's Lodge are also drop off sites.
It's happening in other areas as well. You might want to check with your local sheriff's office or police department to see if they're doing a collection on Saturday as well.
