Drug roundup at senior center Thursday

In an effort to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of children and teens, students from the University of Nevada, Reno, are hosting a drug roundup Thursday. “We’re looking for extra medications in your cabinet or expired medications you have lying around the adolescents could take unprescribed,” said Heather Cole, a student in the Orvis School of Nursing. The nursing school’s Carson City clinical group is working with Partnership Carson City to collect the prescription medications 7-11 a.m. at the senior center. The medications will then be turned over to the district attorney’s office for disposal. Cole said the prescription drugs are not only dangerous for their own addictive and sometimes deadly consequences, but they also can lead to more destructive behavior. “It’s becoming a gateway drug,” she said. “They often transition to heroin because it’s easier to get.”The nursing students said youth often consider prescription drugs to be safer than illegal ones. “Kids are taking them from their parents and giving them to other kids,” said Kelsey Wickham. “It’s scary because they don’t know what they’re taking.”The group also will be hosting a parent engagement night 6-8 p.m. Nov. 27 at Carson Middle School. “We want parents to be aware of their medications,” Cole said. “Keep them locked up if you are using any of them.”If you goWHAT: Prescription drug roundupWHEN: 7-11 a.m. ThursdayWHERE: Carson City Senior Center, 901 Beverly Dr.If unable to attend the roundup, drop prescription drugs in disposal station in the main lobby of the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, 911 E. Musser St.