VANCOUVER – More than 760 residents in Clark and Klickitat counties safely dropped off 2,574 pounds of unused medications and syringes during a multisite drug take-back event on Oct. 26.
The medication disposal event was held at six locations and was organized by a committee of local youth substance use prevention coalitions, law enforcement agencies, clinics, pharmacies, community partners and volunteers.
“We had a good turnout for the events across our region,” said Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, community prevention project coordinator with Central Vancouver Coalition and ESD 112. “It is always inspiring to see members of the community committed to disposing of medicine properly, which in turn keeps these potentially dangerous substances out of the environment and our waterways. It also protects their children and families from the potential risks of accidental poisonings, overdose, or misuse, which can lead to prescription drug addiction.”
All discarded medications were secured in boxes and transported by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for incineration.
