National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to keep opiates, vapes out of the wrong hands
MEQUON -- It's a killer that is wreaking havoc on a growing number of people in our country. The opioid epidemic has become a crucial public health issue -- and a new effort this year is trying to help stop it.
Detective Lance Wenger
On Saturday, Oct. 25, a number of jurisdictions took part in National Prescription Drug Day. The event was a creative way to bring attention to an issue that is no jovial matter.
"We take expired medication, unwanted medication," said Mequon Police Detective Lance Wegner.
Over by Concordia University, pharmacy students spearheaded the effort.
"We are studying these medications, and we actually know how they work and the harm that they can cause, especially when they are not disposed of or get into the wrong hands," said Kennedy Kauth, a third-year pharmacy student.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Kennedy Kauth
From children inadvertently getting their hands on drugs or teens and adults getting hooked on opioids, authorities say these substances are a gateway and can cripple families.
"It destroys families," said Wegner. "They steal, they commit crimes so the heroin epidemic actually stems to more crimes, more property crimes, more violent crimes. The heroin overdose spike is incredible."
The effort was aimed at saving lives and the environment.
"It's very important they get disposed of the right way, just to prevent any cross-contamination into the sewers," said Emily Winkler, a third-year pharmacy student."
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Emily Winkler
This year, participants are helping prevent another crisis as well.
"The vape cartridges, we are taking them," said Wegner.
With more than 1,600 vaping-related injuries and 36 deaths reported nationwide, Det. Lance Wegner with the Mequon Police believes these dropoffs are crucial.
"Keep those out of the hands of kids and unwanted cartridges to keep them from being fulled with THC oils or other oils," said Wegner.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Community members did their part to keep others safe. All of the drugs are weighed and disposed of at DEA dropoff site and later incinerated. For collection sites near you, click HERE.