LGPD Collects nearly 100 pounds of prescription medication during fall Drug Take Back event
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, October 31st, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
LA GRANDE – Opioid abuse goes beyond popular street drugs and can include over the counter and prescription medications. Even when not actively being abused, old, expired or otherwise unwanted medications can be a health hazard if accidentally taken/ingested. To help mitigate this threat, the La Grande Police Department recently hosted its bi-annual Drug Take Back Day, collecting nearly 100 lbs of unwanted medications.
Specifically, 99.2 pounds of prescriptions and over the counter medications were collected on Saturday, October 28. Roughly 50 people dropped by, with participants being able to dispose of their medications completely anonymously. Officer Erin Dickhausen, who ran the event alongside officer Cody Billman, commented:
“This event is a safe way for people to dispose of unwanted medications. It is a great way for removing medications that are taking up space, outdated, no longer needed or to keep them out of the wrong hands. We were also able to educate people that we do offer medication disposal all year round with our drop box at a Police Department.”
For those that may have missed the event and need to dispose of their own medication, plenty of alternatives are available and can be found here. For residents of Baker County, the Sheriff’s Office offers drug take back services Monday-Friday during office hours (8a.m.-5p.m.). Unwanted drugs can be dropped off without any appointment required.
