LAKE COUNTY — People are encouraged to drop off pills for safe disposal, free-of-charge, with no questions asked.
Wednesday, from noon to 4 p.m. Lakeport Fire Protection District will collect and dispose of unneeded prescription medications.
Frank Gudmundson, Educational Center Director at Robinson Rancheria, spearheaded a series of events that resulted in the safe disposal of more than 44,000 prescription pills last year, turning tragedy into an educational opportunity.
Medication Emancipation was a call to action following the accidental deaths of Lake County children as a result of overdosing on prescription medications.
“The pill drive is to educate people on the dangers of prescription pills. We have laws that state we need to lock up our guns,” Gudmundson said, “We have gun control. But we do not have pill control. Pills should be locked up and the doctors who prescribe these pills should be monitoring the use. People should not flush the pills or throw them into the trash.”
Pills should be returned to the pharmacy or to a fire department.
“We do not want the pills in the hands of the children. People should also realize that some doctors do not treat the injury but they chase the pain, based on what you are reporting to them,” Gudmundson said.
He recommended that those who wish to manage pain go to a pain clinic where they monitor the amount and strength of medication the patient should receive.
Many people do not need to take all of the pills that are prescribed for pain. Pills may sit in a medicine cabinet or night stand unused. Some might become a temptation for the curious or addicted.
“Within the last year there has been a significant increase in newborns being brought into this world addicted to pain meds,” Gudmundson said.
He said youth are smoking bath salts and drinking hand sanitizer. He urges parents to be alert and be aware of what”s in the home or what is missing from the home.
“At this time we have a local kid sitting in an I.C.U unit because he overdosed on 90 pills that were given to him to get high,” Gudmundson said.
Medication Emancipation is endorsed by Robinson Rancheria Business Council, Lake County fire districts, Lake County Public Health, Robinson Rancheria Federally-Commissioned Police, and Lake County Board of Supervisors.
Dates and times: Wednesday: At Lakeport Fire Protection District from noon to 4 p.m. at 445 N. Main St. in Lakeport. For more information call 263-4396.
June 20: At Kelseyville Fire Protection District from noon to 4 p.m. at 4020 Main St. in Kelseyville. For more information call 279-4268.
