drug free

Barton Foundation awards $100,000 in community health grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Barton Foundation has awarded a record $100,000 in its annual Community Health Grant funding. This is in addition to more than $170,000 in grants given to local families and individuals from its COVID-19 Response Fund.

The 13 Lake Tahoe-based organizations that were awarded share Barton Health’s commitment to addressing the most urgent health needs in the area: mental and behavioral health, substance use, and access to care.

The organizations selected for a Community Health Grant serve the area’s most vulnerable populations and those in need:

Embarc Tahoe dispensary now open in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The first cannabis dispensary to operate under the new City of South Lake Tahoe rules and regulations is now open.

Embarc Tahoe has opened its doors and held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday with Mayor Jason Collin, Mayor Pro Tem Tamara Wallace, members of the Embarc Tahoe team and the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

Owner Christy Wilson moved into what was once Tahoe Teriyaki and has since been several different businesses.

Barton Foundation to give away $100,000 in local grants

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation began accepting applications on June 15 from local nonprofit organizations for this year’s $100,000 Community Health Grant program. Area service groups and organizations that share Barton Health’s commitment to improving community health and well-being are encouraged to apply online at bartonhealth.org/foundation.

Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2020.

South Tahoe High students awarded for their anti-vaping/anti-drug posters

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - With vaping a growing problem in local schools, the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition (DFC) recently held an anti-vaping, anti-drug poster contest at the high school.

Six South Tahoe High School students were recognized last week for their creativity and artwork, and three of the entries will be used in an anti-vaping campaign to draw awareness to the growing problem not only in South Lake Tahoe but across the globe.

The awards went to:

1st place: Madison DialTuttle - $200
2nd place: Alexandra Otomo - $100
3rd place: Aeris Wright - $50

Public invited to hear from motivational speaker Kate Garnes

Event Date: 
October 9, 2019 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Motivational speaker Kate Garnes will be speaking to South Tahoe Middle School students and a special session for parents and other members of the public on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.

Barton Foundation awards $50,000 to groups focused on community's health needs

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Fifteen local health programs offered by nonprofits and agencies in the South Lake Tahoe area have been awarded grants by the Barton Foundation. A total of $50,000 was distributed among the groups to aid in their efforts to address the community’s most pressing health issues.

During the 2018 Barton Community Health Needs Assessment, the top health issues identified in the South Lake Tahoe community were access to care, mental health, and substance abuse.

Naloxone saving lives locally and across the country

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Naloxone, a medication designed to rapidly reverse opioid and heroin overdoses, is carried on police and deputy vehicles, ambulances and fire engines, giving first responders the chance to save lives. The problem of these overdoses is so widespread most medics and ambulances have administered the medication dozens of times, even in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding counties.

South Lake Tahoe Drug Take Back Day during Earth Day on Saturday

Event Date: 
April 27, 2019 - 10:00am

It is National Drug Take Back Day on April 27 which also happens to be the Earth Day celebration in South Lake Tahoe, so why not combine the two events?

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition and South Lake Tahoe Police Department have joined forces to help residents dispose of their unused prescriptions, no questions asked.

16th annual Drug Store Project in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - On Tuesday, April 2, 325 6th graders from South Tahoe Middle School, Zephyr Cove Elementary School and home-schooled youth, will spend the day at Lake Tahoe Community College going through the 16th annual Drug Store Project.

Since 2004, middle school students in the Lake Tahoe Unified School District (LTUSD) have gone through the Drug Store Project (DSP), a day-long comprehensive drug prevention program designed to educate youth about the dangers of substance use and abuse.

Barton Wellness Lecture: The Opioid Epidemic and help that is available

Event Date: 
February 28, 2019 - 6:00pm

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Understand more about the opioid epidemic at the next Barton Health Wellness Lecture on Thursday, February 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness, 2170B South Avenue, South Lake Tahoe.

Dr. Matthew Wonnacott will lead the lecture and cover topics including how opioids became an epidemic and what kind of help is available locally for those fighting an addiction to the drug.

Proposed South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance adds more licenses

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - What started off as baby steps to legal cannabis businesses and regulations in South Lake Tahoe has morphed into a run to a proposed cannabis ordinance that could potentially bring 15 new licenses to town.

Out and About in South Lake Tahoe: National Night Out

The public and public safety agencies came out for National Night Out on August 7 at Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe. Booths were set up by California Highway Patrol, South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Barton Heath, California Conservation Corps, South Lake Tahoe Action Team, El Dorado County STAR, El Dorado County Sheriff's Search & Rescue, South Lake Tahoe Drug Free Coalition and the El Dorado County Animal Shelter.

Food was provided by Kiwanis.

The event was also a toy drop off for Toys For Tots.

South Lake Tahoe Earth Day Celebration

Event Date: 
April 28, 2018 - 10:00am

The South Lake Tahoe Earth Day celebration will be on Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Bijou Community Park. The special day recognizes, celebrates, and promotes our region’s unique beauty while educating the public about local environmental issues.

Location

Bijou Community Park
1201 Al Tahoe Blvd. South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
United States

Kudos: Drug Store Project successful due to community partnerships

If you had walked onto the LTCC campus on Tuesday, April 3, you would have never guessed that there were 325 6th grade youth and 220 agency and volunteer workers throughout the corridors, all learning information on how and why to keep themselves safe from drugs. “Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free. With the country’s attitudes and norms about drug use changing, times are even more difficult for our kids.

Drug Take Back Day locations in South Lake Tahoe and Zephyr Cove

Event Date: 
April 28, 2018 - 10:00am

South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County will be joining thousands of communities across the United States when they participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration “National Drug Take Back" on Saturday, April 28.

Collaboration key to keeping all sides happy with SnowGlobe

"This is what our community is all about, true collaboration," said Mayor Pro Tem Tom Davis during Tuesday's Council meeting. "I want to thank all of you for working with us and finding solutions."

Chad Donnelly, the CEO of SnowGlobe Music Festival, the City of South Lake Tahoe and members of the No Globe Alliance spent the month of march working together to address concerns about the three-day music festival held annually in South Lake Tahoe.

Another step towards South Lake Tahoe cannabis ordinance

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be an ordinance regulating the retail sale of cannabis in South Lake Tahoe, that is certain, but when it will be in place is uncertain.

During a special meeting of the South Lake Tahoe City Council Tuesday afternoon and evening, several areas were discussed from zoning to processes, and many were narrowed down enough so the acting City Attorney, Sergio Rudin, can bring a draft back at the April 17 council meeting. If there are no major changes that document can be voted on as a "first reading" with an ordinance 30 days later.

Letter: No Globe Alliance lays out plan

The following is an email sent to both the South Lake Tahoe City Council and the SnowGlobe Music Festival organizers:

1. Independent Engineer:
- a. Repeat previous dB tests for comparison
- b. Establish new dB tests and standards
- c. Establish Sound Czar with authority to adjust volume or end performance of artist
2. Must have standards, monitoring and fines for violations that are independently en-forced with a mechanism to have complaints responded to within 20 minutes of being reported (no unattended phone number for complaints).
3. Noise Engineering per Presentation.

Nevada doctor arrested on distribution of opioids and health care fraud charges

Dr. Devendra I. Patel, aka Devendrakumar I. Patel, 58, of Elko, Nev., was arrested Tuesday on 39 charges of unlawful distribution of prescriptions opioids and Medicaid fraud.

Patel is charged with 36-counts of distribution of controlled substances such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and three-counts of health care fraud. He is a cardiologist at his medical practice, Northeastern Nevada Cardiology. The statutory maximum penalty for distribution of a controlled substance is 10 years in prison and the maximum penalty for health care fraud is 10 years in prison.

Public input sought on 3-year plan for Mental Health Services Act.

The Behavioral Health Division of the El Dorado County (EDC) Health and Human Services Agency invites the public to provide input on the County’s Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Three Year Plan Annual Update for Fiscal Year 2018/19. Community members can provide input by email, online survey or at an upcoming community meeting.

Community meetings to receive input for the MHSA plan are scheduled as follows:

Troy Matthews named new Barton Foundation Executive Director

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The Barton Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Troy Matthews as its new Executive Director.

Matthews’ commitment to serving his community is exhibited through his involvement and leadership in multiple organizations including Tahoe Regional Young Professionals, the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, Progress for Tahoe, El Dorado County Housing Task Force, LTCC Theater Arts Task Force, Leadership Lake Tahoe, and serving on the Lake Tahoe Unified School District School Board.

Leadership Lake Tahoe class of 2017-18 announced

The 26 members of the 2017-2018 Leadership Lake Tahoe class have been announced. They will start their ten-month long journey on September 13.

Anjie Goulding - Kirkwood Mountain Resort
Athena Adler - Harrah's & Harveys Lake Tahoe
Brittani Curtis - Tahoe Chamber
Carissa Bisnar - CB Umbrella Group
Carl Franz - Genentech
Eanad Lott - Live Violence Free
Hannah Greenstreet- Live Violence Free/LTUSD
Jason Burke - City of South Lake Tahoe
Jeremy Brown - Lake Tahoe Community College
Julie Lucksinger - Lake Valley Properties
Katharine Miller - El Dorado County Library

Two years later: Seeing health improvements from community action

This week, June 4-10, is Community Health Improvement Week. It is a national celebration to recognize the work and efforts of health professionals to improve their community’s health.

One thing you will hear from Barton Health professionals is that improving the health and wellness in our community takes collaboration and commitment. This can be seen in the actions taken in the last two years to address South Lake Tahoe’s most pressing health concerns.

Several pounds of prescriptions gathered during area Drug Take Back Day

Law enforcement agencies and volunteers around the country participated in Drug Take Back Day on April 29, taking tons of medications off of the streets.

Both Douglas County and the City of South Lake Tahoe took part. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office had their Citizen Patrol volunteers staff five locations both at the lake and in the valley. They didn't measure the drugs in pounds, but in box fulls.

Staff was able to turn in 18 boxes of medications, which was more than last October’s collection.

National Drug Take Back Day in South Lake Tahoe and Douglas County

Event Date: 
April 29, 2017 (All day)

Thousands of communities across the United States will participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration “National Drug Take Back” day scheduled for Saturday, April 29 in South Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Cove, and spots in the Carson Valley.

46,000 people a year die from drug overdoses and more than half of those die from prescription opioid overdoses. Four out of five new users of heroin began with abusing prescription opioids.

Kudos: Organizer thanks community for 14th annual Drug Store Project

“Choices, what are yours?” was the theme of our efforts in keeping our youth drug free.

Help available for keeping unused drugs out of hands of children

Two-thirds of teens who report abuse of prescription medicine are getting them from friends, family and acquaintances. The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition (DFC) wants to prevent this and keep drugs out of kid's hands by reminding residents to safeguard their home, so others don’t have access to your medicine.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness: Alcohol remains #1 date rape drug

In society, we are inundated with advertisements and daily messages infused into our culture that justify alcohol as acceptable and normal. This substance is glorified as a method to enhance dining experiences, celebrations, entertainment, sporting events, and holidays. Alcohol itself is not the problem. A drink to accompany a meal or celebratory time is a much different choice than to completely dissociate from reality and manipulate others to achieve a “good time.”

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Sass: City Council, the TWC, VHR's and more

South Lake Tahoe, Calif. - I could not be more honored and excited to represent this community as your Mayor. Having served on City Council for two years, I have learned that there are deeply passionate and extremely knowledgeable citizens and fellow council members who care immensely about our community and the decisions made by our City.

SLT City Council agenda includes marijuana, VHRs and craft shows

A full agenda awaits the new City Council as soon as the two new members are sworn in on Tuesday, December 13.

The 9:00 a.m. meeting in the council chambers at the Lake Tahoe Airport starts with the Administeration of Oath to Brooke Laine and Jason Collin and will be followed by a presentation by South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler on what the passage of Proposition 64 means for the city. He will be joined by others from Barton and the Drug Free Coalition who will discuss the implications on the community with increased access to marijuana.

Free lock bags available to keep meds out of the wrong hands

Due to highly addictive prescription drugs kept in the medicine cabinets or nightstands of many households, the South Lake Tahoe Drug Free Coalition (DFC) is giving away lock bags so people can keep their prescriptions safe from unauthorized use.

Oxycontin, Demerol, Valium, Ritalin, Adderall, Xanax, Percocet, and Codeine, are also some of the most prescribed and readily-available drugs. They are so readily available that 1 in every 4 teens in America say they have used or misused a prescription drug.

SLEDNET: South Shore drug task force dissolved

For the past several months there has been no official SLEDNET servicing the South Shore, and today it was announced that the drug task force that has been serving the community since 1988 has dissolved.

Public input sought on Mental Health Services Act

In the 2004 California election, voters passed Proposition 63, the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), mandating a one percent increase in income taxes for individuals with incomes over $1 million to expand mental health services. The MHSA funds mental health services that are "recovery and resiliency" focused to children and their families, transitional age youth, adults and older adults. MHSA programs must provide integrated service experiences that are client and family driven, wellness, recovery and resilience focused, culturally competent, and include community collaboration.

Letter: Candidate explains why he's running for School Board Trustee

To the South Shore community: My name is Troy Matthews and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board of Education in Trustee Area 4. My wife Rae and I honeymooned in South Tahoe and decided not to leave. We have fallen in love with this community and have taken active roles in many different local organizations. I work for Tahoe Youth & Family Services, one of the oldest local non-profit organizations in the region serving at-risk and underprivileged youth in South Lake Tahoe.

Opinion: Why I'm a candidate for South Tahoe Public Utility District Board

I am lucky to have lived in South Lake Tahoe for 9 years and grateful to be raising my children in such a wonderful place. I received a Masters Degree in Land Use Planning from UNR and am currently a solution oriented AICP, Senior Planner at Midkiff & Associates. My commitment to community service led me to the Leadership Lake Tahoe program, board membership with the Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, the Chamber Government Affairs Committee and the fight against climate change.

Uber teams up with South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition, MADD and CHP to prevent holiday drunk driving

The California Highway Patrol and Uber are joining forces to promote awareness about safe, alternative transportation options to drunk driving during the July 4 holiday weekend.

This holiday is one of the deadliest for drunk driving crashes. South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has partnered with Uber to prevent drunk driving in South Lake Tahoe.

Uber reached out to the nonprofits to make sure that Tahoe is safe, and to do so they are trying to get as many of their drivers out on the road as possible.

Drug Take Back Day on South Shore Saturday

Event Date: 
April 30, 2016 - 11:00am

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition is collaborating with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office on the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, April 30, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in front of Lira's Supermarket in Meyers. Over the last two events on the South Shore, 100 pounds of unwanted prescription medication turned in to authorities.

Barton Foundation has $50,000 to give away in grants

The Barton Foundation has $50,000 to give away in grant funding to groups in the South Lake Tahoe area who work to improve community health.

During their annual grant cycles, Barton provides funds to programs and organizations, and this year they will award grants to those who address mental health, substance abuse, and access to healthcare services.

Community collaboration helps to change the stigma of mental illness

The third annual Mental Health Forum in South Lake Tahoe today brought together almost 60 people who are dedicated to helping the mental and behavioral health in the community.

Hosted by Barton Health, this year's forum participants shared the progress they've made on strategies for mental health and local service gaps that were generated during the 2015 event.

Jeanne Nelson from the South Lake Tahoe chapter of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) was very pleased with the outcome Thursday.

Police Chief on proposed "Control, Regulate & Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act"

Mountain Resort Television reporter Ashley Lindner interviews the City of South Lake Tahoe's Chief of Police, Brian Uhler, and the Chair of the Drug Free Coalition, Hannah Greenstreet, about the Control, Regulate, & Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act.

PDF of proposed initiative.

Senate Bill designed to fight addiction gaining momentum

The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) will “make a real difference for families and communities” struggling with drug addiction, U.S. Senator Rob Portman of Ohio said Saturday. He spoke about the bill, which has bipartisan support, in a weekly Republican address.

“This epidemic does not discriminate,” Senator Portman said. “Zip codes don’t matter. It’s affecting our cities, suburban areas, and rural counties. Young or old, rich, middle class or poor, black, white, Hispanic or Asian. The grip of addiction affects all of us.”

Barton Foundation hands out $35,500, still has $14,500 left to give

In a community with many needs, the Barton Foundation today donated $35,500 to ten different agencies that provide services to the residents of South Lake Tahoe during their annual Philanthropy Day. For the seventh year, the Barton Foundation gave away money raised through their annual fundraising efforts which include the annual Festival of Lights.

Substance abuse in South Lake Tahoe: HEROIN

South Tahoe Now will be presenting a series on increasing drug use among children and adults in South Lake Tahoe, current trends and solutions. This is the first part in the series: Heroin.

It is euphoria, sensory overload and beyond any pleasure you know. That is the beginning, and the average heroin user will spend years trying to find the same feeling as that first high, ended only by death, or seeking help to rid themselves of the dark beast of addiction. Those are the only two options.

Drug Take Back Day nets 50 pounds of prescription medication

The South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition collaborated with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and the South Tahoe Police Department for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 26, 2015, which saw approximately 50 pounds of unwanted prescription medication turned in to authorities. The event gave South Lake Tahoe residents an opportunity to dispose of all unwanted, unused, or expired medications for free with no questions asked. No liquids or needles were accepted and residents were asked to remove all personal information from bottles before dropping off medications.

Free prescription drug disposal day on Saturday

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and South Lake Tahoe Police Department will be taking back unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, September 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Lira's Market in Meyers.

Take expired or unused drugs as the disposal site. No sharps will be accepted.

Prescription drug abuse continues to be a problem in the community, and removing unwanted containers of drugs from medicine cabinets will take them out of the hands of abusers.

Students benefit from Brief Intervention Program in South Lake Tahoe schools

Students at South Tahoe High and South Tahoe Middle schools now have an option to the normal suspension process thanks to the Brief Intervention Program (BIP) developed by the South Tahoe Drug Free Coalition.

In the past, students would be sent home for three days when suspended for having, or being under the influence, drugs or alcohol while at school. In many instances this method was looked at as a few days vacation with little, or no, opportunity to learn from their errors.

How to talk to teens about marijuana

Talking about marijuana with your kids can be difficult – especially these days, with the drug becoming legalized in some states and the increasingly casual presence of weed in the media and pop culture. But with the right tools and skills, you can have easier, more productive conversations with your teen about marijuana, despite these unique challenges.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Meyers on July 12

Event Date: 
July 12, 2015 - 12:00pm

Prescription Drugs are potentially dangerous when they fall into the wrong hands. The abuse of certain prescription drugs— opioids, central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and stimulants—can lead to a variety of adverse health effects, including addiction.

To get unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs off the street, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Department will be holding a Drug Tahoe Back Day in the county on Sunday, July 12, 2015 from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at several locations.

STHS Sober Grad Night tickets on sale; Volunteers needed

For over 20 years, students at South Tahoe High have been enjoying a safe and sober Grad Night. Committed parents and community members have been working hard to create a "never to forget" and "once in a lifetime: experience for all STHS graduates.

On the afternoon of June 5, the seniors will be walking down the school's football field during graduation ceremonies. That night, they'll be celebrating at Heavenly's California lodge with games, food, fun, a hypnotist, dancing and more until the early hours of the morning of the 6th.

Who is the target market for marijuana candy?

In this photo can you tell which candies are made from marijuana and which ones are made with sugar and sold in all stores? The answer will be later in the story.

With marijuana now legal in many states, issues are arising that may have been overlooked in the eagerness to make marijuana legal.

Marijuana (cannabis) candies are hitting the market like a storm, and more people are now ending up in the E.R., or even dead, after ingesting them as well as brownies and cookies made from cannabis.

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