Letter: Unwanted drugs collected in S. Tahoe

To the community,

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition collaborated with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the South Tahoe Police Department for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sept. 26, which saw approximately 50 pounds of unwanted prescription medication turned in to authorities.

The event gave South Lake Tahoe residents an opportunity to dispose of all unwanted, unused, or expired medications for free and no questions asked. No liquids or needles were accepted, and residents were asked to remove all personal information from bottles before dropping off medications.

The Drug Take Back events are the safest and most responsible way to dispose of unwanted and expired medication to protect your family and the environment. Every year nearly half a million kids under the age of 5 get into household prescription medications and result in poisonings. Without proper disposal, medications that are flushed can cause serious harm to the environment and leach chemicals into the water supply.

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition has installed a permanent drug take back bin in the South Tahoe Police Department lobby for anyone unable to attend the Take Back event on Saturday who wishes to dispose of old medications. They installed the box last year and are currently looking for new locations for additional drop off bins.

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition’s mission is to mobilize the community to prevent and reduce youth substance use. They have had many successes in the last year including the creation of a Brief Intervention Program for the South Tahoe Middle and High schools, which was adopted by the school district this year. The BIP program allows suspended students to participate in alcohol and drug prevention education activities during their suspension period, rather than simply being sent home from school.

The coalition meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Al Tahoe room at the South Lake Tahoe Boys and Girls Club on Lyons Avenue from 3:30 to 5pm. For more information, contact me at 530.541.2445 or kmagoon@tahoeyouth.org.

Kelsey Magoon, Drug Free Coalition coordinator