Saturday’s
‘Drug Take Back’ events were a success locally. Law enforcement agencies in Vernal and Roosevelt pair up with the DEA twice a year to host Drug Take Back events for citizens to safely rid their homes of unwanted, expired and unused prescription drugs. In the previous 11 Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have collected over 6.4 million pounds of pills nationally. According to Uintah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Brian Fletcher, there was a steady stream of people throughout the day and the Vernal location ended up taking back 37 pounds of unused or unwanted prescriptions and other medications. Those that still needed a safe way to dispose of medication can bring it to the drop box at the public safety complex. “People can drop medications off at anytime that is convenient for them,” shares Sgt. Fletcher. “They can also call or stop by our office if they have any questions and we will be more than happy to answer their questions.” Safe disposal of prescription drugs is considered a vital public safety and public health issue as prescription misuse and abuse is alarmingly high in the U.S.
