LAKE COUNTY — More than 30,000 pills were collected for safe disposal following two events at Lake County fire stations.
Lakeport Fire Protection District hosted the first event and Kelseyville Fire Protection District held the event Wednesday.
“In Kelseyville we got 13,244 more pills. We are now at 30,752 — almost double of what we had last year at this time,” Frank Gudmundson, Educational Center Director at Robinson Rancheria, said.
People are encouraged to drop off pills for safe disposal, free-of-charge, with no questions asked.
The Lake County Fire Protection District in Clearlake will collect and dispose of unneeded prescription medications next.
Gudmundson 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 purpose of the pill drive is to educate about dangers of prescription pills and safely dispose of unused prescriptions.
“We do not want pills in the hands of the children,” Gudmundson said. “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.”
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.
To drop off unwanted, unneeded or expired prescriptions, go to Lake County Fire Protection District at 14815 Olympic Drive in Clearlake on Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information call 994-2170.
