Use medical drop boxes
As the opioid epidemic continues on the rise across the nation, it is important to keep in mind what it means to misuse a prescription medication. The official definition of prescription drug misuse is taking a medication that is not prescribed, is prescribed to someone else, or taking the prescribed medication to get a recreational “high” feeling from its effects — even if it is prescribed to the individual. Unfortunately, sometimes prescribed medications fall into the wrong hands and can cause fatalities.
In 2014, the amount of prescribed medications in South Texas was 1,879,697 per 100,000 people and 114,131 of those prescribed medications are Schedule 5 drugs, which are highly addictive and can cause abuse. It is important to know how to properly dispose of these medicines to help prevent misuse of these drugs.
With the efforts of local community coalitions, medication drop off boxes have been placed all over communities. These drop boxes are typically located in a law enforcement office for the convenience of everyone. You can deposit unused/unwanted prescription medication and over the counter medication (no liquids, patches, or needles).
The Prevention Resource Center (PRC), a program of Behavioral Health Solutions of South Texas, serves as the central data collection repository for South Texas, and the developer of free annual Regional Needs Assessment (RNA). To find out more about the prevention work being conducted in your community download the latest RNA at our website, www.prc11.org/data or call (956) 787-7111.
Martha Gutierrez, Pharr
‘Inspirational’ Juneteenth talk in Edinburg
I want to thank Dee Lopez and Sabrina Walker-Hernandez for hosting the Juneteenth presentation on June 17 at the Dustin Sekula Public Library in Edinburg. The message was educational and inspirational. Also, present were Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez, Edinburg Mayor Richard Garcia and City Commissioner Richard Molina. May the spirit of Juneteenth live on.
Eduardo Estrada, Edinburg
