Welcome to the
Navajo County Drug Project
Navajo County Drug Project
Join the Coalition
and stay up to date on all the news about the Coalition!
and stay up to date on all the news about the Coalition!
Don't forget to listen to DrugNet! The White Mountain's only Radio source for information and help on drugs for the community, businesses, family, friends, addicts and alcoholics who want to know more.
Have a question you'd like answered on the air? Email it to drugnetlive@gmail.com
Have a question you'd like answered on the air? Email it to drugnetlive@gmail.com
Current Events Announcements
Subject: News from Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse
Navajo County Coalition Against Drug AbuseCommunity Newsletter
November 2008
Paws Up,
Paws Down Pairs K9s & Kids for Education
Paws Up, Paws Down is a "hands on" drug education program using well trained, gentle drug detection dogs.
Theprogram is in full swing at the American Indian Christian Mission School in Linden and the Community Counseling Center (CCC) in Show Low. The Mission School is using the program in grades K-5. The students are eager to share what they are learning with the dogs each session. This year, this school has been drug free.
At CCC the program works with teens. K9s do drug sniffs in counseling sessions and then conducts dialog . The kids are eager to learn how the dogs work and about how to train dogs for scent detection work. The learning in this group goes both ways. These are good kids who share a lot of experience with the team.
The no threat, no intimidation factor in the program, which goes a long way toward helping students communicate what really goes on in their lives.
Sponsor a Community Service Event Jan. 19: Make it a Day On, Not A Day Off!
Visit www.MLKDay.gov
PLAAD Focuses on Community Issues
Pinetop-Lakeside Alliance Against Drugs (PLAAD) began meeting in November 2007. The committee is a result of discussions held at the first Northeastern Arizona Anti-Drug Summit in September 2007. The PLAAD committee has representation from Blue Ridge Unified School District, the town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, juvenile probation and various other entities.
Among the objectives of PLAAD is the continued provision of education and support to youth regarding the effects of drugs and substance abuse. PLAAD is involved in a projects that will impact this area. One project was the Drug Awareness Date Nite September 10. The event, which attracted 120 attendees, was held at the new schools on Porter Mountain Road. This program was geared toward Blue Ridge Mid School and Junior High students and their families. This evening was filled with guest speakers talking about gateway drugs and issues such as abuse of over the counter medicines and prescription drugs. As another proactive effort in the war against drug use in this community, PLAAD will help present similar parent night programs on internet safety, bullying and gangs.
PLAAD also sponsored the 2nd annual Northeastern Arizona Anti-Drug Summit.
Quick Links...
Our Website: www.navajocountydrugproject.com
What's Up in Winslow?!
Thanks to the WHS youth who attended the Sept. 17 Summit and returned to their school to organize a community drug awareness event on Oct. 25. The event, hosted by Winslow Ford, attracted about 20 awareness booths and drew student and community attendees to learn about drug abuse prevention, domestic violence and health issues, corrections employment and community assistance issues.
Hats off to Gus Percuco and his WHS Criminal Justice students for their enthusiastic efforts to make this event a grand success!!!
Another offshoot from this event has seen Winslow Police Department joining the Coalition Steering Committee for better coordination with the northern sector!
Show Low On Go!
Community Support Drug Coalition of the Greater Show Low Area is up and running as another mini-coalition under the county Coalition umbrella. "The greatest part about it is that they want to get a support group and parenting classes for our area here," said Coalition member Sandy Brimhall Tarbet. "Each agency feels they have qualified staff members to help with the classes. The town of Show Low recreation department will help, as will the City of Show Low, the Police Department and probation is going to make the classes mandatory for kids who are on probation and their parents, according to Sandy.
The organization successfully completed its own presentations in October to parents, junior high students and high school students, utilizing community resources, including police and drug task force officers, as well as other speakers. Outreach also was accomplished at Canyon Day.
RED RIBBON WEEK
The Coalition sponsored plantation of 400 red tulip bulbs across 10 school campuses in Navajo County. The reminder to volunteer students was against drug abuse while they were planting during the lst week of October. The second reminder will come when the bulbs sprout into beautiful red blooms in the spring
Media Appreciation
The Coalition recently has recognized its media partners for strength in cooperation.
City 4 TV Show Low was recognized for production of Into the Light, which ran in conjunction with Crystal Darkness on April 15, 2008.
White Mountain Radio was recognized for its weekly DrugNet production and numerous events including the '08 Drug & Alcohol Free New Year's Eve Party, broadcasting Crystal Darkness and Into the Light, Drive Away Drugs and the Avrel Bird Concert fund-raisers and Operation Drug Drop.
MAJIK Radio was recognized for contribution to technical support of early town halls, recording and airing local public service announcements.
White Mountain Independent was honored for its award winning production of a 24-page drug supplement in September 2007. The newspaper also published a parallel insert in September 2008 and continues to support the Coalition with almost weekly publication of drug awareness information.
More media awards are forthcoming!
More Town Halls!
Look for a spring schedule of new informational town halls in county population centers, coming up next year!!! Add your name to our mailing list so you don't miss out on the schedule!
Paws Up, Paws Down is a "hands on" drug education program using well trained, gentle drug detection dogs.
Theprogram is in full swing at the American Indian Christian Mission School in Linden and the Community Counseling Center (CCC) in Show Low. The Mission School is using the program in grades K-5. The students are eager to share what they are learning with the dogs each session. This year, this school has been drug free.
At CCC the program works with teens. K9s do drug sniffs in counseling sessions and then conducts dialog . The kids are eager to learn how the dogs work and about how to train dogs for scent detection work. The learning in this group goes both ways. These are good kids who share a lot of experience with the team.
The no threat, no intimidation factor in the program, which goes a long way toward helping students communicate what really goes on in their lives.
Sponsor a Community Service Event Jan. 19: Make it a Day On, Not A Day Off!
Visit www.MLKDay.gov
PLAAD Focuses on Community Issues
Pinetop-Lakeside Alliance Against Drugs (PLAAD) began meeting in November 2007. The committee is a result of discussions held at the first Northeastern Arizona Anti-Drug Summit in September 2007. The PLAAD committee has representation from Blue Ridge Unified School District, the town of Pinetop-Lakeside, Pinetop-Lakeside Police Department, juvenile probation and various other entities.
Among the objectives of PLAAD is the continued provision of education and support to youth regarding the effects of drugs and substance abuse. PLAAD is involved in a projects that will impact this area. One project was the Drug Awareness Date Nite September 10. The event, which attracted 120 attendees, was held at the new schools on Porter Mountain Road. This program was geared toward Blue Ridge Mid School and Junior High students and their families. This evening was filled with guest speakers talking about gateway drugs and issues such as abuse of over the counter medicines and prescription drugs. As another proactive effort in the war against drug use in this community, PLAAD will help present similar parent night programs on internet safety, bullying and gangs.
PLAAD also sponsored the 2nd annual Northeastern Arizona Anti-Drug Summit.
Quick Links...
Our Website: www.navajocountydrugproject.com
What's Up in Winslow?!
Thanks to the WHS youth who attended the Sept. 17 Summit and returned to their school to organize a community drug awareness event on Oct. 25. The event, hosted by Winslow Ford, attracted about 20 awareness booths and drew student and community attendees to learn about drug abuse prevention, domestic violence and health issues, corrections employment and community assistance issues.
Hats off to Gus Percuco and his WHS Criminal Justice students for their enthusiastic efforts to make this event a grand success!!!
Another offshoot from this event has seen Winslow Police Department joining the Coalition Steering Committee for better coordination with the northern sector!
Show Low On Go!
Community Support Drug Coalition of the Greater Show Low Area is up and running as another mini-coalition under the county Coalition umbrella. "The greatest part about it is that they want to get a support group and parenting classes for our area here," said Coalition member Sandy Brimhall Tarbet. "Each agency feels they have qualified staff members to help with the classes. The town of Show Low recreation department will help, as will the City of Show Low, the Police Department and probation is going to make the classes mandatory for kids who are on probation and their parents, according to Sandy.
The organization successfully completed its own presentations in October to parents, junior high students and high school students, utilizing community resources, including police and drug task force officers, as well as other speakers. Outreach also was accomplished at Canyon Day.
RED RIBBON WEEK
The Coalition sponsored plantation of 400 red tulip bulbs across 10 school campuses in Navajo County. The reminder to volunteer students was against drug abuse while they were planting during the lst week of October. The second reminder will come when the bulbs sprout into beautiful red blooms in the spring
Media Appreciation
The Coalition recently has recognized its media partners for strength in cooperation.
City 4 TV Show Low was recognized for production of Into the Light, which ran in conjunction with Crystal Darkness on April 15, 2008.
White Mountain Radio was recognized for its weekly DrugNet production and numerous events including the '08 Drug & Alcohol Free New Year's Eve Party, broadcasting Crystal Darkness and Into the Light, Drive Away Drugs and the Avrel Bird Concert fund-raisers and Operation Drug Drop.
MAJIK Radio was recognized for contribution to technical support of early town halls, recording and airing local public service announcements.
White Mountain Independent was honored for its award winning production of a 24-page drug supplement in September 2007. The newspaper also published a parallel insert in September 2008 and continues to support the Coalition with almost weekly publication of drug awareness information.
More media awards are forthcoming!
More Town Halls!
Look for a spring schedule of new informational town halls in county population centers, coming up next year!!! Add your name to our mailing list so you don't miss out on the schedule!
Navajo County Meth Use Declines,
But Drug Battle Is Far From Over
Teen use of methamphetamines declined 50 percent in Navajo County over the past two years, according to the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey, recently released by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. More good news is that less than 1 percent of teens used meth in the 30 days preceding the spring survey.
Navajo County youth still rank at double the state average rate for meth use, compared to their peers across the state (5 percent average lifetime use in Navajo County vs. 2.5 percent average use across Arizona). Alarmingly, 6.3 percent of 10th graders and 7.7 percent of 12th graders in this county have used meth in their lifetimes. For 2008 use, those percentages were all under 1 percent.
The bi-annual Arizona Youth Survey is a self-reporting questionnaire administered to students in grades eight, 10 and 12 in schools across the state that opt to participate. For the 2008 survey, 1,706 county students participated, comprising 3 percent of students surveyed in the state but the largest county student census since 2004. Ethnicity of those surveyed in the county: 39 percent Native American, 56.8 percent Caucasian or 4.2 percent other.
Navajo County youth now understand the dangers of meth and their rate of use is on the decline. This, coupled with the declining manufacture and import of the illicit drug from Mexico-thereby reducing availability and raising the street price-should portent further reduction of meth in Arizona. That is, until home grown clandestine labs-of which there has been a dramatic decline in Arizona-again upsurge.
Navajo County teens exceed state averages across the board for lifetime drug, alcohol and tobacco use-the categories surveyed-except for specific use of alcohol, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, prescription stimulants and sedatives, and over the counter medications (OTC medications include cough syrup, Coricidin Cough & Cold, etc). That being said, in their short lives, 60 percent of county teens have used alcohol; 47 percent tobacco; 22 percent prescription pain relievers; and 26 percent prescription drugs.
While county use among teens declined overall in most areas between surveys in 2004, 2006 and this year's reports, marked increase was seen in use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs, particularly among high school seniors.
Parents are the anti-drug. Simply by having a conversation about drugs with your teens, parents can reduce by 50 percent the chance that those teens will ever try drugs. A wealth of "conversation starters" is available on line from sites such as www.partnerupaz.org
By and large, the Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse-which has come face to face with more than 16,000 county students and citizens in its prevention outreach and education programs since late 2006-believes that community awareness and education are melting at least the tip of the iceberg. Staying atop of trends-such the expected influx of heroin and cocaine at cheaper prices across our southern boarders and the rising preference for prescription drug abuse-continues to be a challenge, both for community awareness and direct prevention education. Funding issues, lack of local treatment facilities and programs, and the diverse rural environment present further challenges to the ongoing task.
For a complete overview and report by county and grade level, the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey is available to download at: http://azcjc.gov/sac/AYS.asp
Community Survey Tracks Drug Awareness
In Navajo County, 75 percent of survey respondents recognize the widespread nature of drugs in the community, especially methamphetamine. Further, 90 percent recognize the seriousness of meth. The drug's addictive nature was identified by 98.4 percent, while 82 percent feel the drug's presence is destructive to our communities.
Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse recently surveyed nearly 250 respondents from 21 zip code locations. The 13-question survey instrument, focusing on methamphetamines and other drugs, was distributed by Coalition Steering Committee members and was available on line through the Coalition's website. The survey parallels one conducted by the Coalition in 2004.
Of concern for the negative impact on the county are consequences identified with and related to drug use, including assault (86 percent), burglary (90 percent) and identity theft (84 percent). Also identified is the belief that school dropout (77 percent) and absenteeism from work and school (72 percent) are associated with drug use. From domestic violence (82 percent) to child abuse (73.2 percent), respondents expressed their concern that drugs are extremely hazardous to families.
Survey participants note that involvement with drugs covers a wide spectrum of ages: 8 to 12-year-old use is perceived as moderate, with 36.6 percent indicating "no involvement". For 13 to 18 year-olds, 66 percent of respondents ranked use high or moderately high, which correlates with results from the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS), released in October by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Coalition survey respondents ranked use for 19 to 29-year-olds at 90 percent and those over 45 at 49.5 percent.
The Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse focused on methamphetamine abuse at the outset, from 2004. However, awareness of gateway drug impact has expanded the group's prevention education focus to encompass all drug substances, legal and illegal.
A series of town halls, school assemblies and presentation to community groups has resulted in direct contact with more than 17,000 citizens, or 26 percent of the targeted population, since late 2006. Yet, the survey revealed that 17 percent or one out of six respondents are unaware of any programs.
In the expanded view of dangerous substances, survey respondents ranked nine drugs by their prevalence and negative effect on our communities. The highest ranked was methamphetamines, followed by marijuana, alcohol, heroin and cocaine. Prescription drugs were ranked sixth, their increased presence and concern apparent. According to the AYS, one out of every three high school 12th graders in Navajo county reports abusing prescription painkillers without a doctor's prescription. An additional shock to parents is that one out of six 8th graders also has abused a prescription pain reliever.
Concerns related to availability of assistance for treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts is foremost for many survey respondents. Concern for lack of inpatient treatment facilities is noted by 75 percent of respondents, and 20 percent more feel it is a concern that needs to be addressed. Lack of outpatient services also was rated highly (77.1 percent). Related are concerns for lack of counseling (75 percent) and support groups (83.6 percent), as well as family support services (84 percent).
Education remains a priority. Prevention program formats are highly regarded (82.4 percent), with community forum programs also valued (72.5 percent). Solid education focus on youth and children is noted at 84 percent.
More than half of respondents indicate their primary source of information is from radio, school and community programs, peers and friends. Even with significant media support, 20 percent of respondents feel uninformed.
Overall community indicators show 37 percent are aware and willing to be involved at solving the problem. The Coalition encourages these people to make their interests known, as the challenge is clear and present. Help take back our community. Visit www.navajocountydrugproject.com to join the Coalition and make difference or access information about drug abuse, prevention and treatment.
Prescription Drugs Disposal Guidelines
Teens are abusing prescription drugs they find at home. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), every day, 2,500 kids age 12-17 try a painkiller for the first time. Prescription drugs are the drugs of choice for 12-13-year-olds. Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug, except marijuana
Youth don't realize that prescription drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs. Kids who would never try street drugs may feel safe abusing prescription drugs. Misperceptions about prescription drug abuse have serious consequences. In fact, drug treatment admissions for prescription painkillers increased more than 200percent between 1995 and 2005, according to ONDCP.
Safe Drug Disposal Outlets in Navajo County Scour your home medicine cabinet for unused, expired and unwanted prescription and over the counter medications. Return them in their containers to one of the locations below for proper disposal or follow federally recommended steps for home disposal and identity theft protection.
Deliver prescription and over the counter medications to any Navajo County Safeway Pharmacy: 702 W Hopi, Holbrook, 524-2661; 20 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, 367-5440; 900 W. Duce of Clubs, Show Low, 532-5656; 1601 N Park, Winslow, 289-4615. Informational fliers are available.
Schedule II drugs (opiates, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens) must be disposed at a law enforcement office: Navajo County Sheriff Offices-Holbrook, 524-4450; Show Low, 532-6060 Police Departments: Holbrook, 120 E. Buffalo, 524-3991; Winslow, 708 W. 3rd St, 289-2431; Show Low, 150 N. 6th St., 357-5091; Snowflake-Taylor, 81 W. 1st St., 536-7500; Pinetop-Lakeside, 1360 N. Niels Hansen Ln, 368-8800
New Federal Guidelines for Drug Disposal at Home: DO NOT flush drugs down the toilet. This practice contaminates ground water, lakes and streams. Instead, crush tablets and mix with used kitty litter or used coffee grounds, bag and throw in the trash. Remove and destroy labels or personal identification from any prescription medication containers/packaging prior to disposal to prevent prescription identity theft.
Parents should safeguard all drugs at home, monitor quantities and control access. Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always follow the medical provider's advice about dosages. Be a good role model by following the same rules with your own medicines. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medicines. And, ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well. When you talk to teens about drugs and alcohol, include prescription drugs in the conversation. Learn more at www.theantidrug.com
Remember, you can visit our website to order exclusive Coalition bracelets, dog tags, short- and long-sleeve t-shirts or make a tax-deductible donation to prolong the Coalition's prevention and education efforts. Parents, be the Anti-Drug-Our website has talking points for dinner table conversations with your teens!! Thanks to you, we are making strides to take back our community! Go to www.navajocountydrugproject.com
Sincerely,
Debe Campbell
Coordinator, Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse
But Drug Battle Is Far From Over
Teen use of methamphetamines declined 50 percent in Navajo County over the past two years, according to the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey, recently released by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. More good news is that less than 1 percent of teens used meth in the 30 days preceding the spring survey.
Navajo County youth still rank at double the state average rate for meth use, compared to their peers across the state (5 percent average lifetime use in Navajo County vs. 2.5 percent average use across Arizona). Alarmingly, 6.3 percent of 10th graders and 7.7 percent of 12th graders in this county have used meth in their lifetimes. For 2008 use, those percentages were all under 1 percent.
The bi-annual Arizona Youth Survey is a self-reporting questionnaire administered to students in grades eight, 10 and 12 in schools across the state that opt to participate. For the 2008 survey, 1,706 county students participated, comprising 3 percent of students surveyed in the state but the largest county student census since 2004. Ethnicity of those surveyed in the county: 39 percent Native American, 56.8 percent Caucasian or 4.2 percent other.
Navajo County youth now understand the dangers of meth and their rate of use is on the decline. This, coupled with the declining manufacture and import of the illicit drug from Mexico-thereby reducing availability and raising the street price-should portent further reduction of meth in Arizona. That is, until home grown clandestine labs-of which there has been a dramatic decline in Arizona-again upsurge.
Navajo County teens exceed state averages across the board for lifetime drug, alcohol and tobacco use-the categories surveyed-except for specific use of alcohol, ecstasy, hallucinogens, heroin, prescription stimulants and sedatives, and over the counter medications (OTC medications include cough syrup, Coricidin Cough & Cold, etc). That being said, in their short lives, 60 percent of county teens have used alcohol; 47 percent tobacco; 22 percent prescription pain relievers; and 26 percent prescription drugs.
While county use among teens declined overall in most areas between surveys in 2004, 2006 and this year's reports, marked increase was seen in use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs, particularly among high school seniors.
Parents are the anti-drug. Simply by having a conversation about drugs with your teens, parents can reduce by 50 percent the chance that those teens will ever try drugs. A wealth of "conversation starters" is available on line from sites such as www.partnerupaz.org
By and large, the Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse-which has come face to face with more than 16,000 county students and citizens in its prevention outreach and education programs since late 2006-believes that community awareness and education are melting at least the tip of the iceberg. Staying atop of trends-such the expected influx of heroin and cocaine at cheaper prices across our southern boarders and the rising preference for prescription drug abuse-continues to be a challenge, both for community awareness and direct prevention education. Funding issues, lack of local treatment facilities and programs, and the diverse rural environment present further challenges to the ongoing task.
For a complete overview and report by county and grade level, the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey is available to download at: http://azcjc.gov/sac/AYS.asp
Community Survey Tracks Drug Awareness
In Navajo County, 75 percent of survey respondents recognize the widespread nature of drugs in the community, especially methamphetamine. Further, 90 percent recognize the seriousness of meth. The drug's addictive nature was identified by 98.4 percent, while 82 percent feel the drug's presence is destructive to our communities.
Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse recently surveyed nearly 250 respondents from 21 zip code locations. The 13-question survey instrument, focusing on methamphetamines and other drugs, was distributed by Coalition Steering Committee members and was available on line through the Coalition's website. The survey parallels one conducted by the Coalition in 2004.
Of concern for the negative impact on the county are consequences identified with and related to drug use, including assault (86 percent), burglary (90 percent) and identity theft (84 percent). Also identified is the belief that school dropout (77 percent) and absenteeism from work and school (72 percent) are associated with drug use. From domestic violence (82 percent) to child abuse (73.2 percent), respondents expressed their concern that drugs are extremely hazardous to families.
Survey participants note that involvement with drugs covers a wide spectrum of ages: 8 to 12-year-old use is perceived as moderate, with 36.6 percent indicating "no involvement". For 13 to 18 year-olds, 66 percent of respondents ranked use high or moderately high, which correlates with results from the 2008 Arizona Youth Survey (AYS), released in October by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission. Coalition survey respondents ranked use for 19 to 29-year-olds at 90 percent and those over 45 at 49.5 percent.
The Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse focused on methamphetamine abuse at the outset, from 2004. However, awareness of gateway drug impact has expanded the group's prevention education focus to encompass all drug substances, legal and illegal.
A series of town halls, school assemblies and presentation to community groups has resulted in direct contact with more than 17,000 citizens, or 26 percent of the targeted population, since late 2006. Yet, the survey revealed that 17 percent or one out of six respondents are unaware of any programs.
In the expanded view of dangerous substances, survey respondents ranked nine drugs by their prevalence and negative effect on our communities. The highest ranked was methamphetamines, followed by marijuana, alcohol, heroin and cocaine. Prescription drugs were ranked sixth, their increased presence and concern apparent. According to the AYS, one out of every three high school 12th graders in Navajo county reports abusing prescription painkillers without a doctor's prescription. An additional shock to parents is that one out of six 8th graders also has abused a prescription pain reliever.
Concerns related to availability of assistance for treatment and rehabilitation for drug addicts is foremost for many survey respondents. Concern for lack of inpatient treatment facilities is noted by 75 percent of respondents, and 20 percent more feel it is a concern that needs to be addressed. Lack of outpatient services also was rated highly (77.1 percent). Related are concerns for lack of counseling (75 percent) and support groups (83.6 percent), as well as family support services (84 percent).
Education remains a priority. Prevention program formats are highly regarded (82.4 percent), with community forum programs also valued (72.5 percent). Solid education focus on youth and children is noted at 84 percent.
More than half of respondents indicate their primary source of information is from radio, school and community programs, peers and friends. Even with significant media support, 20 percent of respondents feel uninformed.
Overall community indicators show 37 percent are aware and willing to be involved at solving the problem. The Coalition encourages these people to make their interests known, as the challenge is clear and present. Help take back our community. Visit www.navajocountydrugproject.com to join the Coalition and make difference or access information about drug abuse, prevention and treatment.
Prescription Drugs Disposal Guidelines
Teens are abusing prescription drugs they find at home. According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), every day, 2,500 kids age 12-17 try a painkiller for the first time. Prescription drugs are the drugs of choice for 12-13-year-olds. Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug, except marijuana
Youth don't realize that prescription drugs can be as dangerous as street drugs. Kids who would never try street drugs may feel safe abusing prescription drugs. Misperceptions about prescription drug abuse have serious consequences. In fact, drug treatment admissions for prescription painkillers increased more than 200percent between 1995 and 2005, according to ONDCP.
Safe Drug Disposal Outlets in Navajo County Scour your home medicine cabinet for unused, expired and unwanted prescription and over the counter medications. Return them in their containers to one of the locations below for proper disposal or follow federally recommended steps for home disposal and identity theft protection.
Deliver prescription and over the counter medications to any Navajo County Safeway Pharmacy: 702 W Hopi, Holbrook, 524-2661; 20 E White Mountain Blvd, Pinetop, 367-5440; 900 W. Duce of Clubs, Show Low, 532-5656; 1601 N Park, Winslow, 289-4615. Informational fliers are available.
Schedule II drugs (opiates, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens) must be disposed at a law enforcement office: Navajo County Sheriff Offices-Holbrook, 524-4450; Show Low, 532-6060 Police Departments: Holbrook, 120 E. Buffalo, 524-3991; Winslow, 708 W. 3rd St, 289-2431; Show Low, 150 N. 6th St., 357-5091; Snowflake-Taylor, 81 W. 1st St., 536-7500; Pinetop-Lakeside, 1360 N. Niels Hansen Ln, 368-8800
New Federal Guidelines for Drug Disposal at Home: DO NOT flush drugs down the toilet. This practice contaminates ground water, lakes and streams. Instead, crush tablets and mix with used kitty litter or used coffee grounds, bag and throw in the trash. Remove and destroy labels or personal identification from any prescription medication containers/packaging prior to disposal to prevent prescription identity theft.
Parents should safeguard all drugs at home, monitor quantities and control access. Set clear rules for teens about all drug use, including not sharing medicine and always follow the medical provider's advice about dosages. Be a good role model by following the same rules with your own medicines. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medicines. And, ask friends and family to safeguard their prescription drugs as well. When you talk to teens about drugs and alcohol, include prescription drugs in the conversation. Learn more at www.theantidrug.com
Remember, you can visit our website to order exclusive Coalition bracelets, dog tags, short- and long-sleeve t-shirts or make a tax-deductible donation to prolong the Coalition's prevention and education efforts. Parents, be the Anti-Drug-Our website has talking points for dinner table conversations with your teens!! Thanks to you, we are making strides to take back our community! Go to www.navajocountydrugproject.com
Sincerely,
Debe Campbell
Coordinator, Navajo County Coalition Against Drug Abuse