Boise, Idaho – One Stone, a student-led and -directed Boise-based nonprofit, is partnering with the DrugFree Idaho Coalition to host the last pharmaceutical take-‐back event in the Treasure Valley. The event, Shake, Rattle and Roll, will be held May 2, 2015 in the parking lot of the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, 7200 Barrister Dr., Boise, Idaho. The first 50 participants will receive coupons for a free milkshake from Goody’s.
The event was the brainchild of a team of One Stone students from high schools across the valley who felt motivated to do something about the high rate of prescription drug misuse amongst teens. Zach Andreason, a senior at Rocky Mountain High School and One Stone board member explains, “We have seen the horrible consequences of prescription drug abuse in our schools, and for some of us, even our friends and family. We felt that we had to do something about it that led to a real solution.”
One in five Idaho students reported taking a prescription drug without a physician’s prescription at least once during their lifetime, according to a 2011 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior study. Prescription drugs are readily available to many of these teens, often in the home. Lock Your Meds Idaho reports 70 percent of students getting prescription medications from a friend or family member.
The Shake, Rattle and Roll event will be the last pharmaceutical take-‐back event in the Treasure Valley. Ada County residents can visit curbitboise.org/hhw for permanent medication disposal locations and guidelines.
In addition to curbing prescription medicine misuse, the proper disposal of medications helps keep unwanted chemicals out of the Boise River. Medications flushed down the toilet, a common method of disposal, negatively affect the water quality of local waterways.
“We know that people struggle with addiction, and that getting medications out of the house can keep them out of the wrong hands,” Hayden Cooper, a sophomore at Boise High School explained. “And ultimately, we if we save one life, for one day, by getting rid of some prescription drugs, we have reached our goal.”
About One Stone
One Stone is a student-led and directed nonprofit that makes students better leaders and the world a better place. Our program empowers high school students to learn and practice 21st Century skills through experiential service, innovative initiatives and social entrepreneurship. Contact Neva Geisler, Community Engagement Director, at neva@onestone.org to learn more.
About DrugFree Idaho, Inc.
The mission of DrugFree Idaho is to build community partnerships that mobilize employers, parents and youth to prevent substance abuse, enrich families, and positively impact our community. Contact Rob Stevenson, Executive Director at rstevenson@cityofboise.org with any questions.
