Some of the medications collected at the 2016 Drop Off.
Once again, Marion County citizens lined up to drop off unused medication at the fall Medication Disposal Day. This year, sponsors added paper shredding to the event. This feature was sponsored by DKMM Solid Waste district and resulted in the collection of just under 1 ton of paper to be shredded.
The Take Back Day event is a service that is the result of a partnership between the ADAMH Board, Marion County Sheriffs Office, Marion Police Department, and Marion County Recycling and Litter Prevention. They have worked together to hold medication disposal days for the past 6½ years. A change in the law last year allowed pharmacies to collect medication, but numerous requests made it clear that that the Take Back Day was a popular and much needed service.
“We appreciate the community effort that results in this service,” said Sheriff Tim Bailey. “It is important that we keep medication out of our water system and out of medicine cabinets where unused medication can be diverted for use or sale.”
Several deputies and officers collected medication from the 171 cars that drove through the drop off. In total, more than 205 pounds of pills and liquids were collected and taken to the DEA for proper disposal.
Sheriff’s deputies at the 2016 Drop Off.
Major Jay McDonald from the Marion Police Department noted, “We support this effort because we are keeping hundreds of pills and other drugs out of the hands of people, reducing the risk of overdose and keeping our water supply clean as well.”
The Marion General Hospital pharmacy department lent staff member Amanda Styer, a pharmacist, along with Ohio Northern pharmacy student Shelbi Turner to the effort. They were busy identifying medication that came in unmarked containers or bags.
The day netted 76 prescription opioids, 25 benzodiazepines and 14 other controlled substances, including sedative hypnotic medications that are frequently abused.
For the third year in a row, Aqua Ohio supplied a hearty lunch for all the volunteers.
Marion General Hospital pharmacist Amanda Styer (r) and Ohio Northern pharmacy student Shelbi Turner (l).
Brad DeCamp of the ADAMH board reported that the number of prescription opioids collection was significantly less than last spring but said, “We are very fortunate to have the support of both the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s office because without them the collection would not be possible.” He also appreciated the Marion County Commissioners, who helped unload items to be shredded and who loaned the space at the county building for the activity.
“We are happy to participate because we know that nationally tons of medications are buried in landfills each year or flushed down toilets,” said Angie Carbetta of Marion County Recycling and Litter Prevention. “This has a dreadful impact on our landfill capacities and our water supply. Events like this help the community as a whole, as well as the environment.”
The effort in Marion County was part of the National Drug Take Back Day event.
Sheriff Bailey also reminded those who dropped medication off that there are permanent disposal boxes for pills at both the Marion Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s office. They are there 24/7/365 to drop off medication. You cannot leave liquids or sharps, but any pill based medication is appropriate to deposit.
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