Half of all drug-related deaths in Shasta County involved prescription medication between 2009 and 2013. That fact – paired with the statistic that 50 percent of drug abusers obtain medication from family and friends – is the reason behind a new medication disposal program being launched Thursday by Shasta County health and law enforcement officials.
The agencies have erected new kiosks around the county where the public can drop off unused and expired prescription medication, anonymously and free of charge.
Wendy Millis, community education specialist at Shasta County Public Health, said the idea is to decrease abusers’ access to surplus medication, which is often easily stolen from unlocked cabinets and drawers.
“By getting that stuff out of the house that doesn’t need to be there, we’re hoping to reduce the supply and hopefully reduce those numbers of people being able to get ahold of the medication and having these drug-related deaths,” said Millis.
Eighty percent of the prescription drug deaths in Shasta County are due to overdoses of opioid pain relievers, said Millis.
Health and law enforcement officials decided year-round disposal locations were needed in Shasta County after receiving vast amounts of medications at their previously held bi-yearly disposal events. In the past five years, residents have brought in a total of over 2.5 tons of prescription medication, said Millis.
“So there’s absolutely a need in the community for some sort of place where the community can dispose of medication they don’t need,” Millis said.
There’s also a need for a place where medications can be discarded properly, as improper disposal of medication – including throwing medication in the garbage or flushing medication down the toilet – can be damaging to the environment.
The new drug drop-off kiosks will be opening at different times throughout the day Thursday, but all should be open by 5 p.m., Millis said. The kiosks will look similar to mailboxes and be placed in four locations throughout Shasta County.
Medical Disposal Kiosk Locations
Anderson Police Department
2220 North Street
This kiosk will be located outside and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Burney Sheriff’s Office Substation
20509 Shasta Street
This kiosk will be located inside of the substation. It will be open during the substation’s regular hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.
Redding Police Department
777 Cypress Avenue
This kiosk will be located outside and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Shasta Lake Sheriff’s Office
1650 Stanton Drive
This kiosk will be located outside and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
