319 lbs. of Unused Medication Collected, April 20

BAH release.  Coos Bay, April 19, 2018: The Annual Drug Take Back, sponsored by the Drug Disposal Coalition took place last weekend. Approximately 319 pounds of unused medication were collected, and for the first time, injectable medication or “sharps” were accepted as well. Hundreds of needles and syringes were collected at the four hour event. “Needles are a huge issue in our community and around the country for proper disposal,” says Bay Area Hospital Chief Development Officer, Barb Bauder. “They are being found in parks and other public places and are extremely dangerous.” Organizations involved in the Drug Disposal Coalition include Bay Area Hospital, North Bend Medical Center, Coos Health and Wellness, and Advanced Health with support from Coos Bay and North Bend Police Departments, Coos Bay Fire Department, SCINT, and DEA. This year the coalition also received a donation of SHARPS containers from Walgreens. The mission of the “Take Back” is to collect unwanted and expired prescription and over the counter drugs to get them out of homes, landfills and water supplies as well as educating the public on the importance of safe disposal. The Drug Disposal Coalition was formed in 2015 and has hosted a Drug Take Back Event every year since. In 2017, the Coalition collected more than 230 pounds of drugs. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Barbara Bauder at (541) 269- 8543.