The SCV Medical Society held a press conference today to launch a campaign to educate senior citizens on proper disposal of prescription bottles.

Calling empty prescription bottle theft a “growing problem,” the group is intent on educating seniors on the importance of removing a potential source from drug user’s hands by taking information off of bottles before disposing of them in their trash.

Dr. Gene Dorio, a geriatric specialist, said he was on a house call when his patient told him about people going through the trash. The patient told him that she found empty prescription bottles on the ground, left behind by the scavengers, which he surmised could be used to get unauthorized refills.

“I called the pharmacy with her consent, to refill her vicodin using only the information on the empty container,” he said. “I did not mention that I was her physician. Calling twenty minutes later, the prescription was ready and I asked if I needed ID to pick it up…I was told I didn’t.”

The Task Force admitted that they have no confirmed cases of anyone obtaining controlled medication in this matter, but said that “troving through senior citizen trash might indeed be an easy source for illicit drug users.”

Cary Quashen, a drug counselor for ACTION, said that he asked clients if they had ever obtained controlled substances by taking empty bottles and refilling them.

“They said this was one of the ways they used,” he said. “They also go to open houses and look through the medicine cabinets.”

While there is no collection service at senior living complexes, there is a safe disposal system for all prescriptions – either containing expired drugs or bottles that are empty – at every Sheriff’s station.

“It appears that this may be an issue which is not being regularly reported to the sheriff’s department,” said Sgt. Darren Harris, spokesman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station. “We do not have any recent reports directly pertaining to theft of prescription medication containers.”

“We do frequently receive and respond to calls for service regarding people scavenging through trash containers and theft of recyclables. Santa Clarita residents are encouraged to call the station (661-255-1121) whenever they see this activity occurring as it is against the law.”

Harris said that the Sheriff’s Department supports the public awareness efforts and recommends that all prescription bottles be properly disposed of by breaking them and removing identifying information or bringing them to the safe drop-off bins at the station.

“It would be of significant concern to us if these items are being stolen and used to procure more medication for someone who has no medical need and we encourage anyone who is aware of such a crime to immediately report it to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.”

The doctor’s group is also asking Assemblyman Cameron Smyth to propose legislation to make the photo ID requirement a state law.