Watsonville PD warns of child prescription drug use

The Watsonville Police Department is warning people of how easy it is for children to access prescription drugs.

“The reality is most teens have shown that the first access point they get to any drugs is in the home,” said Sgt Nick Baldrige in a Facebook video posted by WPD, Friday.

According to the department:

45% – Percentage of youth who report getting prescription medicine from their friends.

33% – Percentage of youth who report getting prescription medicine from home, without their parents knowing.

“If they (prescription drugs) are not locked up, they (children) have access to it and they’re able to get into those items,” Baldrige said.

Watsonville Police is asking the public to fill out a survey for SafeRX Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz County Community Prevention Partners. They say the results will “help them implement programs and policies to create a healthier community.”

Link: click for survey

WPD has a drop-box in the lobby to dispose unwanted and expired medication.