SOUTH FORK— For the second year in a row, the South fork Police Department will be participating in the national Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 27. Over the last year, since the police department began participating, Police Chief Don McDonald has watched as the event first began to take hold and then to grow with the rest of the drop-off locations throughout the Valley.
According to McDonald, the program has been a huge success in the South Fork area and the department has collected an estimated 50 pounds of prescription drugs from area residents and even summer guests. “This is a great program and we are thrilled to see people take advantage of the opportunity,” said McDonald.
The program was first introduced in the fall of 2017 by Rio Grande Public Health Director Emily Brown who has been working to establish more drop-off locations throughout the county like the one located in South Fork. “We have had a lot of success and we have even helped by reaching out to other departments in hopes of getting more people interested in being a drop off location,” said McDonald.
As of right now, South Fork Police and Monte Vista Police Department are the only two drop off locations in Rio Grande County with hopes to have more in the future.
“We will be here all day on Saturday to help people who need to drop off their prescription medications. It is a great way to interact with people, gain trust in the community and help dispose of potentially dangerous prescription drugs all at the same time,” said McDonald.
The prescription drop-off box is located in the South Fork Police Department on the north end of town hall, next to the visitor center. People can drop off prescription drugs anytime the department is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or whenever an officer is present. For more information, please contact South Fork Police at 873-1040.