FAIRVIEW POLICE HOLD KICK OFF EVENT FOR DRUG TURN IN PROGRAM
Posted: June 13th, 2011 3:56 PM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2011-06/2172/45346/Rx_Drug_Turn_In_Program_Event.doc
On June 13, 2011 Fairview Mayor Mike Weatherby and Police Chief Ken Johnson held a ribbon cutting and kick off ceremony to formally introduce a new Drug Take Back Program launched by the Fairview Police Department. This is the first such program in East County and the intent is to get expired or unwanted prescription drugs out of the hands of the public, especially kids, and into the hands of law enforcement- no questions asked.
A secure Prescription Collection Unit donated by Greater Gresham Area Prevention Partnership (GGAPP) has been installed in the lobby of the Fairview Police Department and will allow citizens to anonymously dispose of their unused, expired, or unwanted prescription drugs by simply dropping the drugs in the slotted door. Zip lock baggies will be available for those not wishing to place the prescription bottle (with their name and other information on the label) into the container.
Prescription drug abuse is on the rise in Oregon and throughout the United States, especially for teenage youth. According to the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the number of Americans aged 12 and older who have abused pain medication increased by 20% since 2002. Studies have shown that teenagers who abuse prescription drugs often obtain them from medicine cabinets of family members or friends. This startling trend inspired Fairview's Chief of Police Kenneth Johnson to look into the feasibility of implementing a full time Prescription Drug Disposal Program that would allow citizens to easily and safely dispose of unwanted prescriptions, keeping them out of the hands of potential abusers. Chief Johnson issued the following statement: "Prescription drug abuse, especially by our youth and teens, has become an epidemic. The social and economic impact of prescription drug abuse is staggering. We simply must do a better job of reducing t
he availability of the unused prescription medication. A once or twice a year "turn in program" was clearly not sufficient. As a result, we implemented this progressive approach to fighting this plaque on our community. I sincerely hope everyone takes advantage of this free service."
Acceptable items for deposit in the Collection Unit are: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, pet and animal medications, ointments and lotions as well as liquid medications contained in leak proof containers. Citizens can dispose of their entire prescription bottle or empty the contents into a sealed plastic bag. Items that are not acceptable for deposit into the Collection Unit include needles and other sharps, thermometers, bloody or infectious waste, medications from businesses, clinics, hospitals or pharmacies, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans or inhalers.
Deposits can be made into the anonymous, secure Prescription Drug Disposal Unit during the normal hours of the Police Department Business Office, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You do not have to live in Fairview to take advantage of this very important AND FREE program. It is being offered as a public service to our community.
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