Opioid coalition, state police to partner for Drug Take Back Day
By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The focus has been on the COVID-19 pandemic, but drug addiction is still affecting Mon Valley communities.
The Mon Valley Opioid Coalition will partner with local and state police Saturday to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
The coalition will join with police departments, hospitals and other organizations around the Mon Valley to host drug take back events in conjunction with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Coalition co-chairwoman Colleen Hughes said this will be the first time the group will partner with a police department to sponsor an event. It will be held from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Saturday at the barracks in Rostraver Township.
“This is really exciting for us because the Belle Vernon state police barracks called us to ask if we would like to partner with them for this event,” Hughes said. “We said absolutely without any hesitation and were thrilled that the state police wanted to get involved.”
Hughes said many local police departments also participate. With pandemic restrictions still in place, the Monessen Police Department will open its lobby Saturday for drop offs. Members of the coalition will be on hand in Monessen to provide treatment-related information.
While prescription drugs are monitored more than ever, it is still important to dispose of any unwanted or unused medication in a safe way, Hughes said.
“There is still medication in cabinets or cupboards that needs disposed of,” she said. “Often times, we have seen over the years, people struggling even attending open houses to go through medicine cabinets.
“So it is important for citizens to know how to properly get rid of medication they no longer use or want. It is also important for people to know that this is a safe, proper way to dispose of it, instead of flushing it, which can have a negative impact on water systems.”
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