Sheriff’s department hosts after prom

Prescription drop-off day set

CREEDE— The Mineral County Sheriff’s Department hosted their annual after prom program for Creede and Lake City students this past weekend on April 22. The program was implemented several years ago in an attempt to give students something to do after the big dance and ensure their safety for the remainder of the evening. According to statistics, prom nights throughout the country can be a tragic event when an alternative location is not offered to high school students. Drunk driving and vehicle accidents almost triple during this time of year, and Mineral County Sheriff’s Department wanted to be sure Creede was not included in that national statistic.
This year, the department went out of their way to reserve a fun evening for the students. The department rented bouncy houses, blow up slides, a climbing wall and many more fun activities. The Old Gym was used for the event thanks to the generous donation from the City of Creede. Several other area organizations and local officials donated to the event to help make it possible. Several parents of high school age students expressed their gratitude to the sheriff’s department for their continued efforts to keep the youth in Creede safe from harm.
The event was a hit for the students as well. Several pictures and videos taken of the event, showcased the fun that was had by all.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Health officials from Valley-Wide Health Systems have formed a prevention coalition that focuses on the wellbeing of Valley communities. Their goal is to bring a better understanding of prescription drugs and healthier alternatives for pain management. The San Luis Valley Prevention Coalition (SLVPC) meets a few times a year to discuss ideas and future plans for the community.
During the spring and the fall months the coalition gets together with local law enforcement to coordinate a Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will be held on April 27 and 28 this year in Mineral County. The sheriff’s department will be collecting any unused or expired prescription drugs on both days and encourages everyone to participate.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) came up with the idea to provide a safe alternative for disposing of prescription drugs. Oftentimes, leftover drugs are either sold illegally or used recreationally. Local sheriff’s offices, as well as pharmacies and other safe locations have been chosen for the event. For more information and a list of sites, visit www.takebackyourmeds.org
Teens are the main target of prescription drug abuse according to recent studies. Since the drugs are easily accessible within the communities, it makes a recipe for disaster. It’s as simple as opening the medicine cabinet for some which is why the DEA formed the “Take back your meds” day.
Some persons who have chronic pain medication often find themselves with an overabundance of the medication and therefore find ways to deplete the drug in order to get a refill come the appropriate time. By doing this they are not in violation of their contract and are ensured to receive the same amount come time for the refill.
With further questions, please call the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department at 658-2600.


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