City kicks off Drug Prevention Campaign in October

The City of Mission Viejo's Drug Prevention Coalition will promote the "Monitor, Secure and Destroy" campaign throughout October as part of ongoing efforts to prevent drug abuse in the community.

Beginning October 2, detailed information about the proper way to dispose of unwanted and expired prescription medications will be available at City Hall, the Mission Viejo Library, Norman P. Murray Center and recreation centers as well as local doctors' offices, pharmacies and businesses.

Then during the annual Walk Against Drugs event on October 21, the Drug Prevention Coalition will host a booth with live, interactive demonstrations from 9 a.m. to noon at the community center.  Folks who drop by the booth will learn the necessary steps for properly monitoring and securing their prescriptions. Coalition members, substituting candies for actual drugs, will demonstrate how you should dispose of your unwanted prescription medicines by using hot water and kitty litter in a plastic zip-lock bag. 

"Each visitor will walk away with a new awareness, valuable information and a home remedy sample for future needs," said Leslie Rea-McDonald, who is leading the effort for the City.

The need to educate the community is certainly there - as 65 percent of people currently addicted to opioids obtained the drugs from family and friends. Other demonstrations for seniors will take place from 9-11 a.m. October 18-20 at the community center, 24932 Veterans Way.

See more detailed information about the alarming trends and what you can do in this brochure. For more information about the Drug Prevention Coalition, contact lmcdonald@cityofmissionviejo.org.