Drug sweep
Drug sweepTake Back program in Ballwin nets an estimated 80,000 unwanted pills at five sites
By Mary ShapiroFriday, February 26, 2010 9:47 AM CST
over the counter antacids, vitamins, allergy relief pills and plenty of prescription medications, all expired, were carefully counted out Saturday morning in Ballwin Police headquarters.They were among 68 bottles and boxes Larry and Beth Colonna, of Ballwin, hauled in during a Prescription Drug “Take Back” Program.”We’d been kind of collecting them because we knew we couldn’t put them down the drain anymore,” Beth said.the retired couple was visiting one of five sites where expired and unneeded drugs were collected in an event co-sponsored by Rockwood School District’s Drug-Free Coalition and the Ballwin, Ellisville, Eureka and St. Louis County police.Collection sites were in Ballwin, Ellisville, Eureka, Clarkson Valley and Fenton.
Photo Galleries | Prep Sports Photos
Bob Betts, 72, of Ballwin brought in prescription meds that “were not effective and were cluttering up my medicine cabinet. I’m really glad they’re doing this.”Former Ballwin Mayor Walt Young, the coalition’s legislative coordinator and a member of the executive committee, was working as a volunteer greeter.Drug take-back programs are being held to increase awareness of prescription and over-the-counter drug abuse by youth, he said. “Studies show that youth prescription medication abuse is increasing at a faster rate than marijuana and alcohol combined,” said Kim Kleinhans, a volunteer from Wildwood. Kleinhans is a nurse at Marquette High School in Clarkson Valley.the programs also offer a place to safely and legally dispose of unneeded drugs.In only two hours, about six cardboard boxes had already been loaded with drugs at Ballwin.”You name it, we got it. from vitamins to hydrocodone and fentanyl. We even got some pet medications,” said Police Lt. Kevin Bushery.”And a lot of Gas X,” chimed in Police Officer Rob Rogers, while counting and recording pills.Bushery later said the Ballwin event attracted 100 people, who brought in 950 containers of drugs with 31,300 single doses. Among those were more than 2,000 doses of legal narcotics that have a high potential for abuse, Bushery said.As of Monday, 300 people showed up to drop off drugs at all five location, Eureka Police Officer Dan Armbruster said. the police tallied an estimated 80,000 pills and other medications.”We get calls throughout the year from people who want to bring drugs in. At other times, we’re not equipped to take it,” Bushery said.All drug collected will be incinerated by the St. Louis County Police lab, he said.Bill Schrader, 80, of Ballwin, brought in oxycontin and prednisone that had been used by his late wife.Derek Payne, 83, of Ballwin, delivered medication in syringes from a hospital pharmacy after he found out he’d been given too much and couldn’t take it back.Patricia Hall, 61, of Ballwin, appreciated a way to get rid of drugs with undesirable side effects.”I brought my old allergy and other pills because, here, you know the drugs won’t go in the waterways,” said Gary Carr, 57, of Ballwin, who is a plumber.Carol and Jim Stansbury, of Ballwin, got rid of pain killers for knee surgery originally given to Carol’s mom.”With grandkids around, you don’t want this in the house,” said Carol, 63.another “Take Back” Program is set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17.Locations include:- Ballwin Police Department, 300 Park Drive.- Ellisville Police Department, 37 Weis Ave.- Eureka Police Department, 120 City Hall Drive.- Clarkson Valley City Hall, 15933 Clayton Road.- Fenton City Hall, 625 New Smizer mill Road.call (636) 938-2363 or visit the website www.rockwoodcoalition.org.
You need to log in to post a comment. Popularity: 1% [?] Related posts:
