RAYMONDVILLE — Willacy County’s day care centers are starting to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
Last month, La Jarra Senior Living, Raymondville Adult Day Care Center, Mirasoles Adult Day Care and El Cielito Adult Day Care No. 2 adopted policies to try to make sure the drugs are not abused.
As part of the program, Communities Against Substance Abuse, or CASA, used money from the Texas Target Opioid Response to buy Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches in which to dispose of the drugs.
“It is our duty to do everything in our power to prevent the mishandling and potentially negative impact of pharmaceuticals to individuals in our community and the environment,” Fred Ballard, owner of La Jarra Senior Living, stated.
“Unintentional exposure and misuse of drugs are a serious concern and we are always looking for best practices to implement. We are grateful for this program.”
CASA wants to try to make sure unwanted prescription drugs do not endanger the environment.
“Improper disposal of prescription medication has been shown to have an adverse affect on the environment,” Tristan stated. “Providing a means for proper drug disposal is a fundamental way adult day care centers can help.”
CASA also wants to try to keep the drugs from falling into the wrong hands.
“This option for medication disposal will keep families and communities healthy and using the pouches is just a quick and easy method for centers to make a difference on the drug epidemic at a local level,” Tristan stated.
