KANSAS CITY, MO -
Mental health officials say that prescription drug abuse has become a major problem among teens here in the metro area, but on Saturday, Kansas City, Missouri, Police collected unused medication in an effort to get these potentially dangerous drugs of the streets and out of the hands of young people.
Police say that many teens think that prescription drugs are safer because they are given out by doctors, and teens also don't believe that prescription drugs carry the same sort of consequences as street narcotics.
"As kids begin to talk they spread the word, and they say 'if that gave you a buzz and you didn't go to jail, then give me some of that'," said Officer Markus Smith of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.
On Saturday, police gathered in the Northland for a unique event where people could bring in their old and unused medication to be disposed of properly.
Police also say that it's important for parents to explain the dangers of prescription drugs to their children, and to not leave drugs around the house.
The next prescription drug disposal event is scheduled for Nov 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Zona Rosa Community Area (below Marshall's) 8690 N. Dixson Ave KCMO 64153.
Police say that many teens think that prescription drugs are safer because they are given out by doctors, and teens also don't believe that prescription drugs carry the same sort of consequences as street narcotics.
"As kids begin to talk they spread the word, and they say 'if that gave you a buzz and you didn't go to jail, then give me some of that'," said Officer Markus Smith of the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department.
On Saturday, police gathered in the Northland for a unique event where people could bring in their old and unused medication to be disposed of properly.
Police also say that it's important for parents to explain the dangers of prescription drugs to their children, and to not leave drugs around the house.
The next prescription drug disposal event is scheduled for Nov 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Zona Rosa Community Area (below Marshall's) 8690 N. Dixson Ave KCMO 64153.
