To the editor:
Local law enforcement agencies worked collaboratively to hold Mifflin County's fourth Prescription Drug Take Back collection on April 28.
Participating were Dave Molek, District Attorney; Granville Township Police Department; Lewistown Police Department; Mifflin County Regional Police; the Pennsylvania State Police; and the Mifflin County Sheriff's Office.
Four collection sites were each staffed by law enforcement officers. We thank the local businesses who agreed to be collection sites: Giant in Burnham, Walmart, Giant in Lewistown, and the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Mifflintown.
The event was a great success in that a total of 155 pounds of unwanted and/or expired medications was collected.
More than 70 percent of people who abuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family - often right from the home medicine cabinet. Offering take-back collections is a critical step in preventing prescription drug diversion and abuse, while safeguarding the environment.
Don't forget that there is a year-round MedReturn Unit located in the Lewistown Police Department lobby, 21 S. Brown Street Suite A in Lewistown. Their hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. You may dispose of your unwanted prescription medications anonymously with no questions asked.
Items that are accepted in this MedReturn Unit include: prescription medications; over-the-counter medications; medications for pets; ointments and lotions; and liquid medications in leak-proof containers. Unfortunately they cannot accept needles (sharps), thermometers, infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans or inhalers.
Thank you to all who work to keep our community safe.
Nancy Records
Mifflin County Communities That Care
