Breckenridge battles drug abuse with Take Back Day and Red Ribbon Week
As daily, national news reports indicate the United States is in the clutches of a drug abuse crisis, Breckenridge is taking steps this week and next to combat potential problems. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, the Breckenridge Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration will team up to collect unwanted prescription drugs from local citizens, ensuring that the medications are not used illicitly.
Additionally, next week will be Red Ribbon Week in Breckenridge schools, promoting a drug-free life for the kids.
Take Back Day
According to a report released earlier this year by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 50.5 percent of all people age 12 and older who misuse prescription drugs get those drugs from friends or family members for free. Another 11 percent bought the drugs from a friend or family members and 4.4 percent took the drugs from a friend or relative without asking.
The DEA advises consumers to get rid of unused prescription drugs as soon as they no longer need them. However, they also warn against tossing medication in the trash can or even flushing them down the toilet. The drugs can be retrieved from the trash by drug addicts or dealers, and flushing drugs can lead to water supply contamination.
That’s where the Prescription Drug Take Back Day comes in handy. The public can take any potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to the police station at 210 E. Dyer in Breckenridge, and the BPD and the DEA will properly dispose of them. They can accept only pills or patches; liquids, needles or sharps will not be accepted.
The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked, according to information from the BPD.
This Take Back Day is the 14th in the past seven years. In April, Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at a similar event. Locally, the BPD collected 31 pounds of unused prescription medication in April.
For more information on Take Back Day, call the BPD’s non-emergency number, 254-559-2211.
Red Ribbon Week
Continuing the fight against drug use, Breckenridge schools will be participating in Red Ribbon Week next week. Red Ribbon Week focuses on educating students and encouraging participation in drug prevention activities. Each of the local schools will have a theme for each day of the week next week.
South Elementary
Monday, Oct. 30: “Drug free, that’s me!” Wear red.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: “Friends help friends stay drug free!” Twin Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 1: “Heroes don’t do drugs.” Wear “hero shirt” or cape.
Thursday, Nov. 2: “Drug free from head to toe.” Wear crazy hair or hat and socks.
Friday, Nov. 3: “Stomp out drugs.” Wear your boots.
North Elementary
Monday, Oct. 30: “Put a lid on drugs!” Wear crazy hats.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: “Scare away drugs!” Wear costumes (no masks or weapons).
Wednesday, Nov. 1: “Heroes don’t do drugs!” Wear superheroes or camo.
Thursday, Nov. 2: “Sock it to drugs!” Wear crazy socks.
Friday, Nov. 3: “Stomp out drugs!” Wear boots and cowboy stuff.
East Elementary
Monday, Oct. 30: “Rally in red against drugs.” Wear red clothing.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: “We are crazy about being drug free!” Wear crazy hair.
Wednesday, Nov. 1: “Heroes don’t do drugs.” Wear superhero or camo gear.
Thursday, Nov. 2: “Sock it to drugs!” Wear crazy socks.
Friday, Nov. 3: “Stomp out drugs!” Wear cowboy clothing and boots. (Don’t forget to bring tennis shoes for PE.)
For more information about Red Ribbon Week, contact each specific school.
