Walton Residents Urged to Drop Off Unused and Old Prescriptions - WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News Leader

In Walton County on Saturday, law enforcement agencies set up shop outside retail stores for "Drop the Drugs" day.

The Substance Abuse Task-Force is urging residents to get rid of their old prescription medications in order to keep them out of the wrong hands.

Numbers show that it's a growing problem among teens in Walton County.

The most recent Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey shows over 17 percent of Walton teens ages 15 to 17 have misused prescription drugs.

It's a number that doesn't sit well with some Walton residents.

"I used to work as a pharmacy tech and realized that all kinds of drugs can get into the wrong hands," said Miramar Beach Resident, Kathy Harris.

That is why Harris decided to get rid of her unused and expired prescription medications at the 2^nd annual Walton County "Drop the Drugs" day.

"I think it's real important for them to be collected and deposited and disposed of correctly," she said.

Walton County Sheriff's Lt. Eddie Farris agrees with Harris.

"We don't want to flush them down the toilet or throw them in the garbage can. This way they can bring them, turn them in and then we will dispose of them," said Farris.

According to Farris, it gets down to keeping these medications out of the wrong hands.

Recent statistics show the misuse of prescription drugs is a problem in Walton County, especially among teenagers.

The Department of Children and Families reports from 2009 to 2011, an average 27 incidents of child substance misuse occurred each month in the district that includes Walton County.

"Prescription drugs are drugs themselves. They're just as dangerous as street drugs. That's why a doctor has to prescribe them," said Walton County Prevention coalition chair, Bryan Callahan.

Callahan said a common misconception of youth is that prescription drugs won't harm you.

"It's not a safe alternative for other drugs, but still youth don't always get that message. They think if it came from a health provider, then they must think it's something not as dangerous as street drugs," added Callahan

So, if you don't need them, Walton County urges you to drop them. If you can't make it to one of these events, you have another option.

"Bring them to the Sheriff's office. Or take them, if you're there in town in DeFuniak, to the PD. A deputy or a police officer will come in and be glad to take them and make sure they are disposed of," added Farris.

"Drop the Drugs" is sponsored by the Substance Misuse Task force, which is made up of local agencies to include:  Walton County Sheriff's Office, DeFuniak Springs Police, Department of Children and Families, Families First Network, Walton County Corrections, COPE center, Walton County Head Start, Walton County Prevention Coalition, and the Emerald Coast Children's Advocacy Center. 

The task force is trying to discover ways to help educate the community. If you would like to know more about the task force or how you can help, please contact Bryan Callahan at 850-892-8035 ext. 233.