Over 100 Pounds of Prescription Medications Turned in During National Take Back Event
09/27/2010
On Saturday, September 25, 2010, Cherokee County joined over 3,400 communities across the United States in the "National Take Back Day."
The event provided a convenient way for citizens to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription medications, while also helping to reduce the likelihood that the potentially dangerous medications would be abused, inadvertently mistaken for other medications or stolen.
Prescription drug abuse is the nation's fastest-growing drug problem, and many who abuse medications get them from the medicine cabinets of family and friends.
In addition, many people often dispose of medications by flushing them or pouring them down a drain. This has lead to trace amounts of medications turning up in residents drinking water.
Locally, over 113 pounds of prescription medications were turned over in Cherokee County. Those medications will be collected by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and will be disposed of by incineration.
The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office wishes to thank the volunteers from the Cherokee County Health Department, Spring River W.R.A.P.S., the Galena Police Department and the Cherokee County Community Emergency Response Team who assisted in the collection process.
Finally, we are also thankful for those at Columbus Apple Market - Columbus,
Marvin's IGA - Baxter Springs and the Galena City Hall for providing convenient locations for citizens to participate and make this first time event a success.