Prescription Drug ‘Take Back’ program is Saturday
The Rockwood School District’s Drug-Free Coalition is partnering with four area police departments to host two expanded Prescription Drug “Take Back” Programs. The programs are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 20 and Sat., April 17.
Police from the Ballwin, Ellisville, Eureka and St. Louis County Police Departments will be on hand to “take back” all unwanted prescription drugs sitting in your medicine cabinet.
“It is important that we keep prescription drugs out of the hands of our youth,” said Ken McManus, Rockwood’s Drug-Free Coalition coordinator. “Federal studies show that adolescent prescription medication abuse is advancing at a faster rate than marijuana and alcohol combined.”
The Prescription Drug “Take Back” events are at the following locations:
* Ballwin Police Department, 300 Park Drive in Ballwin.
* Ellisville Police Department, 37 Weis Ave. in Ellisville.
* Eureka Police Department, 120 City Hall Drive in Eureka.
* Clarkson Valley City Hall, located in the Fru-Con Center, 15933 Clayton Road (with St. Louis County Police).
* Fenton City Hall, 625 New Smizer Mill Road in Fenton (with St. Louis County Police).
To participate:
* Bring identification to verify that you are at least 18 years of age and that you reside at the address listed on the medications. You may bring in medication from anyone living within your household.
* Bring medications in their original packaging from the pharmacy. Medications not in their original packaging will take longer to process and may be subject to further inspection.
* You may bring in any medication from a licensed pharmacist, including controlled substances, liquids containing medications, prescription inhalers, and medicated ointments or patches.
* Do not bring medication from anyone who does not reside in your home.
* Do not bring illicit drugs, (example: cocaine, marijuana, etc.).,
The events are being held to increase awareness of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse issues facing the area’s youth and help eliminate prescription drugs that are no longer being used. This program also will provide a place for residents to safely and legally dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed.
“Due to the success of our initial Prescription Drug ‘Take Back’ Programs with the Eureka Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed us to expand the program into additional communities,” McManus said.
The Drug-Free Coalition provides leadership, education and resources to prevent and address substance abuse and unhealthy choices among Rockwood students.
For more information about Rockwood’s Drug-Free Coalition, call 938-2363 or visit rockwoodcoalition.org.
