RCMP urge parents to drop off prescriptions
By Contributor
The BC RCMP is asking parents and grandparents to be aware of a growing problem of prescription drug abuse among youth.
According to a 2009 study, one fifth of students in grades 7-12 have used at least one prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription. Oftentimes these medications were stolen from a medicine cabinet or a pharmacy, or obtained through a fake prescription or drug trafficker.
That’s why the RCMP in BC is supporting the first ever National Prescription Drop Off Week May 11 to 17.
“The goal is to provide the public with the opportunity to turn over all unwanted prescription medications so that these may then be safely and properly destroyed,” says assistant commissioner Randy Beck, head of Criminal Operations, Core Policing, for the RCMP in BC. “The RCMP supports this event as an important part of our national drug awareness and prevention strategy.”
The RCMP also wants to use this opportunity to ensure the public is aware of BC’s Medications Return Program, which has been in place since 1996. BC residents can take expired or unused medications back to pharmacies across the province at no charge, on an ongoing basis.
“More than 95 per cent of pharmacies participate in the Medications Return Program, so it’s easy for British Columbians to return their expired or unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or natural health productsat any time,” said Geraldine Vance, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Association. “We encourage everyone to drop off their medications toprotect themselves, their families and the environment.”
In support of the National Prescription Drug Drop Off initiative, RCMP detachments across BC will accept prescription medications from the public from May 11 to May 17 during regular detachment hours. The drop off can be done anonymously and there is no obligation for the public to provide personal information or details. The BC RCMP is extending this initiative to a full week, to provide a greater opportunity for the public to dispose of unwanted or unused medications.
The RCMP detachments will ensure medications are disposed of safely, and without harming the environment.
The public is asked to check with their local RCMP detachment for hours it is open to the public, and not to drop off medication outside of closed detachment buildings, for public safety reasons.
The Castlegar detachment can be reached at 250-365-7721.
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