Drug Take Back Event Collects 2,597 Pounds of Unused Medication
More than 781 residents in Clark, Skamania and Klickitat counties safely dropped off a total of 2,597 pounds of unused medications and 281 pounds of syringes during a multi-site drug take-back event on Saturday, October 23rd.
The medication disposal event was held at seven locations in three Southwest Washington counties and was organized by a committee of local youth substance misuse prevention coalitions, law enforcement agencies, community business partners, and volunteers.
The Prevent Coalition would like to thank PeaceHealth Southwest Urgent Care, Kaiser Permanente Orchards, the Battle Ground Police Department , Washougal Silver Star Search & Rescue, the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Department, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and the Goldendale United Methodist Church for hosting the seven event sites.
“Despite the weather on Saturday, we had a decent turnout for the events across our region,” said Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, community prevention specialist with the Prevent Coalition and ESD 112. “It is always inspiring to see members of the community committed to keeping medications out of the environment and to protecting their children and families from possible misuse and accidental poisoning from prescription and over-the-counter drugs,” explained Groen-Sieckmann.
All discarded medications were secured in boxes and will be transported for incineration by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Drug take-back events have been organized by prevention coalitions and law enforcement agencies in Clark County since 2010. The events are now held twice a year (April and October) in multiple counties, and in partnership with the Washington State Health Care Authority and DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
For those that missed the drug take-back event, unwanted medications can be disposed of year-round at several collection sites across Southwest Washington. Prescription and over-the-counter medication including controlled substances, such as painkillers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies and pharmacies. Sharps and syringes, can be taken for free disposal to local participating transfer and recovery centers. Visit www.med-project.org to find nearby collection sites that accept medicine for safe, free disposal or to order pre-paid postage envelopes to dispose of medicine by mail. Do not flush or throw away unused medicine as it can be misused, cause accidental poisonings and pollute the environment and our drinking water.
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New Episode: Sweet & Sour
"Welcome to the Prevent Coalition Podcast. We're sharing stories and strategies to help coalitions and organizations reach their full potential."
Listen at preventcoalition.podbean.com. The podcast is also available on Google Podcasts, the Apple Podcast app and other familiar streaming services.
- Episode 0 - Welcome
- Episode 1 - Rural Network
- Episode 2 - Policy Change
- Episode 3: Secure Your Cannabis
- Episode 4: "Better You Bingo" with special guests from Clark County STASHA!
- NEW --> Episode 5: Sweet & Sour
Episodes archived at preventcoalition.org/events/news/.
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Microlearning: Cannabis Prevention 101
From the PTTC Network:
Brush up on your cannabis knowledge with this series of short lessons on cannabis and prevention! Each lesson consists of a 5-10 minute video followed by a brief quiz. Topics include the basic differences between THC, CBD and hemp, how drug screening and confirmation for cannabis works, the effects of cannabis consumption on road safety, and the role of prevention in cannabis policy decisions.
Using Framing Tools to Build Partnerships
The Public Health Learning Network offers this free online training. Learn more about how framing messages appropriately can build lasting relationships.
Overview:
This is a 30-minute self-paced online module.
This course focuses on the 10 PHRASES (Public Health Reaching Across Sectors) framing recommendations and four framing tools. The four framing tools included in the PHRASES Toolkit are frame elements, sample emails, “When You Say They Think” charts, and reframed answers to tough questions.
Rural Grant Progress
- Policy: We're hosting trainings by Prevention Voices and a legislative Q&A in November. Look at our meeting minutes for a recording of the latest policy training.
- Toolkit: The workgroup convenes to figure out what to build next.
- Training: We're partnering with Rede Group to make your dreams come to life for our "rural conference" or gathering! We'll plan this gathering each month, and host it in Summer/Fall of 2022.
- Recruitment: We published a recruitment kit on the rural toolkit page. Find letter templates, emails, thank you cards, and post cards all tailored to different sectors.
- Promotion: Thank you Brisa Sanchez and Sarah Meyers for sharing our work and equity lessons learned during the Washington State Prevention Summit! You both made the coalition proud!
- Photo Toolkit: Published! You may still submit more photos.
- Story Toolkit: Published! You may still submit more stories.
About Prevent Coalition
Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration, awareness, and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington state. As a community mobilizer, the coalition creates a culture promoting healthy choices; advocates for policies and regulations that protect, empowers and nurtures youth; and facilitates positive opportunities for youth to be involved and thrive.