Two Parents Making a Difference in 93,000 Ways

By Kevin Quint, Executive Director

In April of 2009 two grieving parents named Dave and Cathy called us to say, "Our son passed away just three months ago from methadone (long acting, opioid painkiller).  We don't want this to happen to anyone else.  What can we do?"   We suggested that we gather some of our coalition partners and start talking about this problem.  A few weeks later we met, and out of that first conversation came a wonderful idea that is called the "Prescription Drug Round Up."

The concept is simple.  We organize a number of sites to receive unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs on the same day, and then advertise the heck out of it.  The concept may be simple but, as they say, "The devil is in the details."  First we worked with a number of partners, including but not limited to the Reno Police Department (they supplied much of the funding, as well as uniformed officers for the event) and many others (CAN Prevent, Nevada Children's Trust Fund, Nevada Children's Death Review Committee, Nevada Prevention Resource Center, Nevada Society of Health System Pharmacists, Reno Radio Representatives, Retail Association of Nevada, Sak 'N Save, Scolari's, Sparks Police Department, State of Nevada Office of the Attorney General, Truckee Meadows Water Authority, Washoe County Department of Water Resources, Washoe County School District, and Washoe County Sheriff's Department).

Second, we planned the first event, which was scheduled for Saturday October 17, 2009.  On that Round Up, we collected 39,000 pills!  We thought, "Who could beat that?"

Then we planned our second event for April 24th of this year.  At five sites we collected 93,000 pills!  That is almost 100,000 pills that won't be flushed down the toilet and into our water system.  That is almost 100,000 pills that won't contribute to an accidental poisoning in a child or that won't be abused by someone who is drug seeking from someone else's prescription.  We also gave away dozens of locking medicine boxes (compliments of the Reno P.D.) that will keep prescription drugs safe for those need them and out of the hands of those to whom they don't belong.  You may ask, "How did you dispose of all of those pills?"  The Reno P.D. has an incinerator where the drugs are taken by uniformed officers and burned up.

Each of our Round Up sites was staffed by a uniformed law enforcement officer and at least two volunteer pharmacists.  We had many other volunteers at each site helping those dropping off the drugs and generally keeping order.  We are very appreciative to Reno P.D., Sparks P.D., Washoe County Sheriff's Office, the many pharmacists who lent their expertise, and all of the volunteers for making this second event at least twice as productive as the first.

The next event will be in the fall sometime.  If you'd like more information on how to safely dispose of your unused medications, call JTNN at 775-324-7557, go to our website at www.jtnn.org, or just remember, "Crush, Don't Flush."  You can crush those medications up and mix them with cat litter or with used coffee grounds then seal them in a plastic bag and throw them in the trash.

Two heart-broken parents have taken their son's death and turned it into a victory for the community.  Every time I see or even think of Cathy and Dave I feel sad knowing that their grief will never totally end but I admire and respect them for the courage to make a difference in other people's lives.

Eat at Qdoba and Raise Money for JTNN's Youth Anti-Drug Project

Eat at any Reno or Sparks area Qdoba restaurant on June 16 from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and JTNN will receive 20% of the total bill.  Click here to download the flyer you'll need to take with you.

The annual anti-drug project focuses on helping youth determine what keeps them from using drugs.

JTNN is Moving

We're very excited to be co-locating with United Way at 811 Ryland Street.  Our phone number will stay the same.  You may notice a little bit of down time between June 28-30 while we move our computers, phones and furniture, but we should be up and running by the 1st of July.  For those of you who attend meetings at JTNN, parking is available in front and back of the building, and on Locust Street.

Our new mailing address beginning July 1:
811 Ryland Street
Reno, NV 89502

Looking for a book or DVD relating to substance abuse prevention, intervention or treatment?  Check out the JTNN Library

JTNN has a library that contains books, DVDs, CDs and other materials that relate to substance abuse.  Several topics are included such as addiction and drugs of abuse, codependency, parenting, recovery, meditation, and health and wellness.  Take a look at our material list here or stop by the office.