The said it collected 140 pounds of unused and unwanted medications during a prescription drug take-back event on Saturday, Oct. 29, according to a press release.
Over a four-hour period, MIPD Detective Chad Schumacher and Evidence Technician Kelly Donnelly were on hand to accept returned medicines, which surpassed the amount collected at an earlier "Take-Back" event in April. The program is hosted by the MIPD and coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition (CTC).
Officials warn that prescription medications that languish in medicine cabinets pose a threat to youth if taken recreationally and to the environment if disposed of improperly. The Mercer Island CTC also provided free medication lock boxes to event patrons interested in additional medication safety.
"The DEA sponsors this event each year and it has become such a huge success, that they may hold it twice a year." said MIPD Commander Leslie Burns. "This was the third time MIPD has participated and taken in a pretty huge haul,"
For additional information, contact Cmdr. Burns at leslie.burns@mercergov.org or CTC Project Director Derek Franklin at 206-275-7745 or derek.franklin@mercergov.org.
