Are you ready to walk your farm for a great cause? Sign up today to support this important initiative and serve as a designated SDAR REALTOR® Community Ambassador!

On Saturday, April 6, SDAR REALTORS® are joining with the Safe Homes Coalition and Supervisor Kristin Gaspar to lead a regional effort to raise awareness about one of the greatest threats to our families and communities - prescription drug abuse. Attendees will receive information and resources to share with homeowners as they walk their farms throughout the month of April. You do not want to miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community!

Join us by signing up as part of an existing team or even start one of your own! REALTORS® will receive farming materials where they can include their personal branding and will have the opportunity to receive specialized training on walking a farm for a cause. Details on the training classes will be provided separately.

Reserve your farm area before someone else does!

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Agenda for April 6th

• 9:00 am - Event Registration
• 9:30 am - Kickoff Remarks with Supervisor Gaspar
• 10:00 am - Training
• 10:30 am - Depart to Walk Your Farm!

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Why are REALTORS® Involved in Fighting the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?

As a part of our ongoing commitment to our region, the Ambassadors Foundation of the Greater San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is partnering once again with the Safe Homes Coalition to take up the fight against the opioid epidemic that is threatening the safety of our homes and communities. What began in 2014 as a focused effort to remove prescription drugs from open houses has expanded this year to a region-wide effort to remove expired and unwanted prescription medications from homes throughout San Diego County.

How will REALTORS® Make a Difference?

Photo: Prescription Drug Takeback Program press conference. SDAR's 2018 President Steve Fraioli pictured above with Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, the Safe Homes Coalition, American Medical Response, and several REALTORS® announcing the April 6 kickoff of the prescription drug takeback program.

With countless numbers of prescription pills sitting in the medicine cabinets of homes across the country, we invite you to join us in the fight as we lead countywide precinct walks with government officials, program partners and other volunteers to inform families about the dangers of opioid abuse and how to safely dispose of expired, unwanted and unused prescription medicine in the household. On Saturday, April 6th, join us for the kickoff event and then, throughout the month of April, walk your farms to provide families with the information and resources they need to conveniently dispose of prescription medication.*

*It’s important to note that REALTORS® and volunteers will only provide information and resources and will NOT be collecting ANY medication.

Did You Know?

• Prescription drug abuse is a critical issue that impacts more than 6 million American families and children.
• More than 70,000 people died of drug overdose in 2017, with a majority due to opioids.
• According to the Center for Disease Control, on average, 130 people die every day in the United States from an opioid overdose.

FAQs

1. Is this only a one-day event?

No, April 6th is just the kickoff for the program. Volunteers are encouraged to walk their farms throughout the month of April and beyond.

2. What if I cannot attend the April 6th Press Conference and Kickoff?

Attendees are encouraged to participate in the April 6th press conference and kickoff with Supervisor Kristin Gaspar and other community leaders. However, volunteers unable to attend can arrange for their farming materials to be made available at one of SDAR’s service centers beginning Tuesday, April 9.

3. Are the farming materials customized with the information for the volunteer?

This is a great opportunity to promote your brand! As part of the program, volunteers will be provided door hangars with an area to attach their business cards. So please plan to have 150 business cards available!

4. Are we using a farming app?

Yes! We will be tracking the impact our volunteers are making in the community through a farming app. First American Title is our app provider and Crystal Bonetto of First American Title will provide information about the app and how to report your progress.

5. Will training be provided?

Yes, we have a training event scheduled for April 2nd at 9:30 am at SDAR’s HQ in Kearny Mesa (4845 Ronson Court, San Diego). You can register at https://farmforacausetraining.eventbrite.com. Trainers will also be on hand on April 6th to provide a basic overview of the program and farming app. You may contact Crystal Bonetto of First American Title for questions regarding training at cbonetto@firstam.com or (619) 742-0193.

6. How do I designate my farm area?

As you register using Eventbrite you will be asked to provide your top three preferred farming areas. Crystal Bonetto of First American Title will assign the farming areas on a first-come, first-served basis. Meaning that we will make every effort to secure your first choice, but there is a possibility that someone may have already reserved your preferred farm area.

7. When will I be notified that my farm area is confirmed?

Farm areas must be designated manually and one at a time, so please be patient. But you can contact Crystal Bonetto with questions at cbonetto@firstam.com or (619) 742-0193.

8. Does a team walk the same farm area?

Each individual is assigned their own unique farm area as requested by them during the registration process. As a result, your farm area may be near another teammate or in a completely different area in the County. But you are encouraged to walk each other’s farm areas together. Remember, there is safety in numbers!

9. What is the role of a team captain?

The team captains will have the opportunity to personalize their team page on Eventbrite and send the information out to their network. You can form teams of no more than 8 individuals. At the end of April, team captains will also be asked to download the team report and send it to Crystal Bonetto at cbonetto@firstam.com

10. Are REALTORS® collecting prescription medications?

Absolutely not. No volunteer should accept any medications or drugs of any kind. Volunteers are only providing information and resources for homeowners to dispose of their medications on their own.