For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1300046 |
| Date Issued: | Apr 24, 2013 - 8:55am |
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Prescription Drug Roundup this Saturday, April 27th |
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| CONTACT: | Teresa Aquila (775) 240-2308 cell taquila@washoecounty.us |
The public will have an opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs during a Prescription Drug Roundup from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 27 at the following locations:
Roundup Locations April 27, 2013 10:00am - 2:00pm:
- Walgreens, 10370 N. McCarran Blvd.
- Save Mart, 565 East Prater Way
- Walmart, 4855 Kietzke Lane
- Walmart, 5065 Pyramid Way
- Raley's, 18144 Wedge Pkwy
- Raley's, 930 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village
- Scolari's, 8165 S. Virginia Street
- Smith's, 750 S. Meadows Pkwy
Medications can be dropped off at the Roundup locations with no questions asked. Please bring medications in their original containers if possible, and feel free to mark out the patient's name.
Prescription Drug Roundups are a collaborative effort by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, DEA, Join Together Northern Nevada and many other community partners to address a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that remain in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses caused by these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.
Those dropping off medications will receive educational materials, as well as a free MedSafe locking medicine cabinet (limited supply available) to safely store their medications in the future. In addition, volunteers from Northern Nevada HOPES will be collecting residential sharps and providing information to the community about proper syringe disposal.
For those not able to make it to the Roundup event, permanent prescription drug drop boxes are available at local police departments and the Sheriff's Office. These drop boxes can accept prescription pills but do not accept liquids or needles, these items can be brought to the Roundup on the 27th. The drop boxes are available during regular business hours at the following locations:
- Washoe County Sheriff's Office - 911 Parr Blvd., Reno
- Reno Police Department - 455 E. 2nd Street, Reno
- Sparks Police Department - 1701 East Prater Way, Sparks
Additional information on the proper disposal of unused or unwanted prescription drugs can be located at www.jtnn.org. If you have any questions regarding the Roundup event or the drop boxes, contact Washoe County Sheriff's Office Reserve Lieutenant Teresa Aquila at (775) 240-2308 or Stacy Ward, Prevention & Education Coordinator for the Reno Police Department at (775) 657-4794.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.
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