In an effort to prevent drug use youth among Dana Point youth, the citys medicine take-back box at Dana Point Police Services helps get unused and expired medications out of the home.

By Andrea Papagianis

Over-the-counter and prescription drugs anonymously disposed of through the citys medication drop-off box at Dana Point Police Services, located at City Hall. Photo by Andrea Papagianis

The Orange County Sheriffs Department and city of Dana Point have collected more than 50 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medications, since introducing a medicine take back box in December.

Its safe, free and anonymous, said Deputy John Good, who encourages parents to clean out medicine cabinets to prevent youth medicinal drug use. Good sighted national trends and studies that show children gaining access to prescription and over-the-counter drugs from their own home or grandparents and friends homes.

Parents can take charge of this, Good said.

Unwanted, unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications can be dropped off anonymously at Dana Point Police Services, 33282 Golden Lantern, Suite 140. The drop-off box is accessible Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. No syringes, illicit drugs, medical or hazardous waste can be accepted.

The drop-off box is cleared out regularly and medicines are booked into evidence for destructionand disposed of to eliminate environmental contamination.

On Tuesday, March 5, a community meeting aimed at preventing underage drinking and prescription drug use among Dana Point youth will be held at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Building Healthy Families: Parenting Strategies and Solutions meeting will focus on community awareness and solutions to prevent and reduce alcohol and drug incidents among area youth. The Orange County Community Alliance Network and Dana Hills High School PTSA will host the event.

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Medicine Take-Back Program Proves Successful for City