Drug Take Back Initiative Set for This Saturday
As part of its Drug Take Back Initiative, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration has designated Saturday, September 26th from 9-5 as the date and time where citizens can voluntarily and anonymously dispose of over the counter and prescription medications at their local law enforcement offices. Highland County Sheriff Tim Duff explained more.
“Hello folks, this is Sheriff Tim Duff, and I’m here to talk about the national Drug Take Back Initiative, that we’ll be holding again on the 26th of September. This program is a DEA sponsored, but locally managed event. It is a free turn in day, nationwide, to dispose of unwanted over the counter meds, or prescription meds.The misuse and the abuse of these meds has become rampant throughout the United States, and is now considered to be of epidemic proportions.
“Here in Highland, we first participated about 2 ½ years ago, and turned in over 60 lbs. for our first collection. Our second year, we turned in approximately 138 lbs.
“This program is strictly voluntary – there is no paperwork, and we do not ask any questions. If you are unable to bring your medications to the office, simply call is at 468-2210, and we will gladly arrange for a pick up of your donations at your convenience. We will accept both your personal medications, as well as agricultural pharmaceuticals. We do not accept sharps – that meaning needles.”
Sheriff Duff noted the nationally designated days had been so successful in the area, that he had expanded the program to year round availability.
“The way I’ve done it now, for the last 2 of my 2 ½ years, we are round the clock, 24 hours a day. What I will do, to make accountability easier for the DEA, whatever we take in 9-5 will be put into one bag. If you come in at 5:01, we simply dump all yours into the other bag, so the DEA has a good count of what they collected from their sheriffs during that dedicated time.
“With the help,of our citizens, we’ve destroyed close to 600 lbs. of medications in just 2 ½ years. I would really like to thank the citizens of the county for taking this new initiative to heart. Your efforts are making a tremendous impact for our community.”
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