04 - Laserfiche WebLink

pep•M,ip. C D THE CITY OF CITY/PUSD J s LIAISON COMMITTEE pL EASANTONR PLEA.WRON UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF REPORT April 27, 2015 TITLE: PHARMACEUTICAL DISPOSAL SITE - UPDATE - POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION This report serves as an update to the pharmaceutical collection program and no recommendation is suggested. SUMMARY In October of 2014, the Pleasanton Police Department in partnership with the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), proudly announced the opening of a pharmaceutical disposal site in Pleasanton. The Pleasanton Police Department serves as host to the pharmaceutical collection receptacle in its lobby and is accessible to the public 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Both controlled and non-controlled prescription medications as well as over-the-counter medications are accepted. BACKGROUND There is continuing concern about unused pharmaceuticals in homes which are known to be highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft, misuse, and abuse. According to national survey data on Drug Use and Health, almost twice as many Americans (6.8 million) currently abuse pharmaceutical controlled substances than those abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined. Moreover, nearly 110 Americans die every day from drug-related overdoses, and about half of those overdoses are related to opioids, a class of drug that includes prescription painkillers. More than two-thirds of people, including juveniles, who misuse prescription painkillers for the first time, report obtaining the drugs from friends, relatives, or from their home medicine cabinet. In addition to these significant issues, there can be severe environmental consequences to the improper disposal of pharmaceuticals when people flush them down the toilet or sink. Traces will end up in the San Francisco Bay where they could harm fish and other aquatic fife. Over the past several years the Pleasanton Police Department has collaborated with the DEA while hosting National Prescription Drug Take-Back events. Significant public participation in these events resulted in the collection of more than 2,700 pounds of unwanted pharmaceuticals in Pleasanton alone. These events along with the efforts of local advocacy groups offered very clear perspective that this type of public resource was much needed in our community.