On April 30, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Kerrville Police Department joined forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and hundreds of other law enforcement agencies across the Nation to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.
National Take-Back Day provided an opportunity for the public to bring in expired, unwanted, or unused medications to law enforcement officers for destruction.
Unused medications improperly disposed of can harm you and your environment. Storing unused or outdated prescriptions creates an opportunity for illicit use. A primary purpose of the program is to prevent abuse, misuse and poisonings.
“It is very important to pay attention to the expiration date on all medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription drugs,” says Dr. Eileen Toloza, Emergency Department Medical Director and Chief of Staff at Peterson Regional Medical Center. “Keeping medications that are either expired or that you no longer take can be dangerous. Safely disposing of these old medications is the best way to avoid an adverse drug reaction or even an accidental overdose, especially in households with small children.”
Citizens took their unused and unwanted medications and over-the-counter medications to the Kerrville Police Department for safe disposal. A total of 163 deposits were made with a gross weight of 377.5 lbs collected overall. A survey was conducted with the following results: 74% meds were expired/out-dated, 50% no longer needed meds, 27% meds belonged to a deceased family member or friend, 68% meds from a family member or household, and 77% meds belong to depositor.
The medications collected were securely stored by KPD and transferred to the DEA for disposal.
Chief John Young stated, “This is a great opportunity for the community to safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications. We look forward to continuing this program on an annual basis.”
Fore more information contact Sgt. Mary Krebs, Program Coordinator, Kerrville Police Department at 830-258-1370.