By Pantagraph staff | Posted: Sunday, July 24, 2011 8:00 am | 1 Comment
The collection and safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications is moving onto the radar of many communities.
Illinois and 15 other states participate in the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program, also known as P2D2.
The goal of the 4-year-old program is twofold: keeping prescription drugs out of the public water supply and keeping the medications off the street.
A collection event in June brought in 550 pounds of medications from Bloomington-Normal. In addition, the Bloomington Police Department collected 57 pounds of controlled substances from residents that same day.
In Clinton, police turned over 350 pounds of outdated prescriptions in April to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency for proper disposal.
In addition to annual collections held in many communities by organizations such as hospitals, medications can be dropped off for proper disposal at certain local pharmacies; police departments will accept controlled.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Prescription Drug Disposal Coming to Teutopolis
Teutopolis, Ill. —A few years ago, a teacher from Pontiac, IL, Paul Ritter, was asked by his wife what to do with old medicines in their medicine cabinet. Since he didn't know, he asked his high school students to research the issue. The students found that there was no program for disposing of prescription drugs or medicines and so began Mr. Ritter's quest to start such a program.
The program is called P2D2, which stands for Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal. It was started in Illinois in 2007-2008 and has now spread to 15 states with the help of the Boy Scouts.
For many years, people have been told not to throw away old medicines but to flush them down the toilet. However, these drugs are getting into the waterways causing such problems as drug resistance, hormone and fertility problems, as well as an increase in cancer.
Scientists with the USGS (United States Geological Society) tested over 130 rivers, streams, and other waterways in the U.S. and found the following pharmaceuticals in over 80 percent of those tested: antibiotics, anti-depressants, birth control pills, seizure medication, cancer treatments, pain killers, tranquilizers, and cholesterol-lowering compounds. In addition to this, 72 percent of drug related incidents come from medicines in the medicine cabinet.
Recently, the Effingham County 4-H Youth Ambassadors got involved in the P2D2 project to keep drugs and medicines out of our local waterways and to make sure they're disposed of properly.
Drop-off boxes are being set up locally in secure locations for residents to safely dispose of drugs, which include all non-controlled, non-hazardous medications, vitamins/supplements, homeopathic remedies, creams, oils, ointments, suppositories, pet medications, etc. Names and addresses on prescription medication can be scratched off with a black marker but the name of the substance needs to remain on the prescription.
The drop-off boxes are currently being set up in six locations in Effingham County. These locations are: the Teutopolis Village Hall in Teutopolis; the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, the Illinois State Police, and Andes Health Mart, all in Effingham; and the Altamont City Police Department and Altamont Pharmacy in Altamont.
The drop-off boxes at the pharmacies and the Teutopolis Village Hall should be used for prescription medications and non-controlled, non-hazardous medicines only. In addition to prescription medications, controlled substances (illegal drugs) may be dropped off anonymously in the drop-off boxes located at the Sheriff's Department, the IL State Police or the Altamont City Police. Call ahead of time before dropping off controlled substances so as not to be caught with them in your car, and make sure to mention the P2D2 program. There is a "Don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding these drop-offs. If someone wants the illegal substance picked up at their house, call Chief Deputy John Loy at the Effingham County Sheriff's Department for a one-time only pick-up with no questions asked.
The drop-off boxes will be emptied on a regular basis. Once the drugs are picked up, they are sent to a company where they are incinerated at a high temperature (1800F). The resulting high temperatures heat water for steam which is sold for heat and processing. It is not recommended that medicines or pills be burned along with trash by individuals since the resulting temperatures are not high enough to burn pills and these pills can end up in runoff or buried with the ashes, etc.
Illinois House Bill 2056 was passed (115-0) on May 31, 2011 stating that any fines drug offenders have to pay will go to the P2D2 program to keep taxpayers from having to pay for this program.
The Effingham County 4-H Youth Ambassadors have been instrumental in putting this program together for the local community. Without their effort, enthusiasm, and energy this program might still be only a dream for this area. They are to be commended along with the community businesses and individuals that have helped in this effort: the Effingham County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police have been in charge of coordinating disposal drop-off sites as well as overall program coordination; the Sunrise Rotary purchased boxes for the drop-off locations; the Post Office donated old, unused mailboxes to be used as drop-off boxes; Barlow Lock and Security donated locks for the boxes; Dan Hecht Chevrolet painted the drop-off boxes; H and M Graphics and Lidy Graphics donated decals for the boxes; Paul Ritter and Bill Elving assisted with getting the program up and running in Effingham; those who donated space for the P2D2 boxes; and the University of IL Extension who sponsored the 4-H Youth Ambassadors.
The drop-off box at the Teutopolis Village Hall will be accessible during the Village Hall's office hours.
Copyright 2011 Teutopolis Press-Dieterich Gazette. Some rights reserved
The program is called P2D2, which stands for Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal. It was started in Illinois in 2007-2008 and has now spread to 15 states with the help of the Boy Scouts.
For many years, people have been told not to throw away old medicines but to flush them down the toilet. However, these drugs are getting into the waterways causing such problems as drug resistance, hormone and fertility problems, as well as an increase in cancer.
Scientists with the USGS (United States Geological Society) tested over 130 rivers, streams, and other waterways in the U.S. and found the following pharmaceuticals in over 80 percent of those tested: antibiotics, anti-depressants, birth control pills, seizure medication, cancer treatments, pain killers, tranquilizers, and cholesterol-lowering compounds. In addition to this, 72 percent of drug related incidents come from medicines in the medicine cabinet.
Recently, the Effingham County 4-H Youth Ambassadors got involved in the P2D2 project to keep drugs and medicines out of our local waterways and to make sure they're disposed of properly.
Drop-off boxes are being set up locally in secure locations for residents to safely dispose of drugs, which include all non-controlled, non-hazardous medications, vitamins/supplements, homeopathic remedies, creams, oils, ointments, suppositories, pet medications, etc. Names and addresses on prescription medication can be scratched off with a black marker but the name of the substance needs to remain on the prescription.
The drop-off boxes are currently being set up in six locations in Effingham County. These locations are: the Teutopolis Village Hall in Teutopolis; the Effingham County Sheriff's Department, the Illinois State Police, and Andes Health Mart, all in Effingham; and the Altamont City Police Department and Altamont Pharmacy in Altamont.
The drop-off boxes at the pharmacies and the Teutopolis Village Hall should be used for prescription medications and non-controlled, non-hazardous medicines only. In addition to prescription medications, controlled substances (illegal drugs) may be dropped off anonymously in the drop-off boxes located at the Sheriff's Department, the IL State Police or the Altamont City Police. Call ahead of time before dropping off controlled substances so as not to be caught with them in your car, and make sure to mention the P2D2 program. There is a "Don't ask, don't tell" policy regarding these drop-offs. If someone wants the illegal substance picked up at their house, call Chief Deputy John Loy at the Effingham County Sheriff's Department for a one-time only pick-up with no questions asked.
The drop-off boxes will be emptied on a regular basis. Once the drugs are picked up, they are sent to a company where they are incinerated at a high temperature (1800F). The resulting high temperatures heat water for steam which is sold for heat and processing. It is not recommended that medicines or pills be burned along with trash by individuals since the resulting temperatures are not high enough to burn pills and these pills can end up in runoff or buried with the ashes, etc.
Illinois House Bill 2056 was passed (115-0) on May 31, 2011 stating that any fines drug offenders have to pay will go to the P2D2 program to keep taxpayers from having to pay for this program.
The Effingham County 4-H Youth Ambassadors have been instrumental in putting this program together for the local community. Without their effort, enthusiasm, and energy this program might still be only a dream for this area. They are to be commended along with the community businesses and individuals that have helped in this effort: the Effingham County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police have been in charge of coordinating disposal drop-off sites as well as overall program coordination; the Sunrise Rotary purchased boxes for the drop-off locations; the Post Office donated old, unused mailboxes to be used as drop-off boxes; Barlow Lock and Security donated locks for the boxes; Dan Hecht Chevrolet painted the drop-off boxes; H and M Graphics and Lidy Graphics donated decals for the boxes; Paul Ritter and Bill Elving assisted with getting the program up and running in Effingham; those who donated space for the P2D2 boxes; and the University of IL Extension who sponsored the 4-H Youth Ambassadors.
The drop-off box at the Teutopolis Village Hall will be accessible during the Village Hall's office hours.
Copyright 2011 Teutopolis Press-Dieterich Gazette. Some rights reserved
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
High School Students Help Pass Landmark Legislation
by Megan Dobransky
Published on June 1st, 2011
Last week historic legislation passed through the Illinois General Assembly – with the help of high school students.
HB2056 is the first law in America that completely handles and funds pharmaceutical disposal for an entire state.
“Municipalities and state governments don’t have to pay,” says Paul Ritter, ecology teacher and director of the National Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2). The program is funded by enacting a $20 fine against anyone convicted of certain drug offenses.
“This is a model that can be replicated in other states,” Ritter says.
P2D2 as a proper drug disposal program has already spread to 13 states, but this landmark legislation is the first to fully fund the program. Previously, the program used tipping fees from landfills, but that wasn’t sustainable in all counties in Illinois. “Basically, the state said, ‘if you can solve the money problem, you can have the whole state.’ So, we did.”
In Illinois and other states, the program helps local pharmacies, police and fire departments, officials and students collaborate to collect unwanted medications and educate the public about the dangers of not properly disposing of medication and drugs.
Find your local recycling solution
for medications
Pharmacies collect prescription and non-prescription drugs in bins and then send full bins to be incinerated, keeping the drugs out of waterways.
Any controlled substances, which are drugs or chemicals regulated by the government, are returned to the police or fire department and then disposed of according to appropriate procedures.
P2D2 has been a success largely on the backs of high school students who have lobbied state governments and helped spread the word about the program.
“Who better to change our world than the future of our world? My mission is to make kids active participants in their lives, their world and their future world,” Ritter says.
Ritter says that many people don’t understand the impact of improperly disposing of unwanted medications, such as flushing down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. He points to a 2000 U.S. Geological Survey study that found pharmaceuticals in 80 percent of streams sampled across 30 states. While the ramification of these contaminates in our water supply remains unclear, Ritter – also a zoologist – says, “there is biological modification taking place and hormone problems in animals.”
He says it’s important to note that proper disposal methods for medications use waste-to-energy. “The material gets incinerated; you’re taking something not good and getting something that’s pretty good out of it,” Ritter says.
Ritter hopes to continue to grow the P2D2 program to as many other states as possible and enable young people to be actively involved in their local governments and environmental policy.
“I’m just a normal person – a teacher in the middle of Corntown, USA, but when we have people that work together, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished,” Ritter says.
To learn more about P2D2 and how to start your own program, visit P2D2′s website.
Published on June 1st, 2011
Last week historic legislation passed through the Illinois General Assembly – with the help of high school students.
HB2056 is the first law in America that completely handles and funds pharmaceutical disposal for an entire state.
“Municipalities and state governments don’t have to pay,” says Paul Ritter, ecology teacher and director of the National Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2). The program is funded by enacting a $20 fine against anyone convicted of certain drug offenses.
“This is a model that can be replicated in other states,” Ritter says.
P2D2 as a proper drug disposal program has already spread to 13 states, but this landmark legislation is the first to fully fund the program. Previously, the program used tipping fees from landfills, but that wasn’t sustainable in all counties in Illinois. “Basically, the state said, ‘if you can solve the money problem, you can have the whole state.’ So, we did.”
In Illinois and other states, the program helps local pharmacies, police and fire departments, officials and students collaborate to collect unwanted medications and educate the public about the dangers of not properly disposing of medication and drugs.
Find your local recycling solution
for medications
Pharmacies collect prescription and non-prescription drugs in bins and then send full bins to be incinerated, keeping the drugs out of waterways.
Any controlled substances, which are drugs or chemicals regulated by the government, are returned to the police or fire department and then disposed of according to appropriate procedures.
P2D2 has been a success largely on the backs of high school students who have lobbied state governments and helped spread the word about the program.
“Who better to change our world than the future of our world? My mission is to make kids active participants in their lives, their world and their future world,” Ritter says.
Ritter says that many people don’t understand the impact of improperly disposing of unwanted medications, such as flushing down the toilet or throwing them in the trash. He points to a 2000 U.S. Geological Survey study that found pharmaceuticals in 80 percent of streams sampled across 30 states. While the ramification of these contaminates in our water supply remains unclear, Ritter – also a zoologist – says, “there is biological modification taking place and hormone problems in animals.”
He says it’s important to note that proper disposal methods for medications use waste-to-energy. “The material gets incinerated; you’re taking something not good and getting something that’s pretty good out of it,” Ritter says.
Ritter hopes to continue to grow the P2D2 program to as many other states as possible and enable young people to be actively involved in their local governments and environmental policy.
“I’m just a normal person – a teacher in the middle of Corntown, USA, but when we have people that work together, there’s nothing that can’t be accomplished,” Ritter says.
To learn more about P2D2 and how to start your own program, visit P2D2′s website.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
‘Hometown Heroes’ honored
Joy Butler
Richard Billington, a resident of ASTA Care Center, listens as awards were given to 28 “Hometown Heroes” during a reception Wednesday. Eighteen agencies were honored at the reception, which was held in conjunction with National Nursing Home Week.
By Peg Reynolds
Pontiac Daily Leader
Posted May 12, 2011 @ 09:07 AM
Pontiac, Ill. —
ASTA Care Center of Pontiac recognized 18 “Hometown Heroes” at a 2 p.m. reception Wednesday at the nursing home.
Activity Director Kathy Finkenbinder was the organizer of the event that honored 18 Pontiac, Livingston County and state officials and volunteers.
Most organizations were represented by at least one person. They were presented with a certificate and a goodie bag filled by nursing home residents. Inside the bag was a thank-you card, an American flag pin, and “a bunch of lifesavers, because they are lifesavers in this community,” said Finkenbinder.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community and letting them know we are part of the community,” she said. Honorees sat on one side of the main dining room as residents and staff filled the other side. Finkenbinder shared reasons why each agency was being honored and what they did to assist the residents and staff at the nursing home.
ASTA Care Center Administrator Lorrie Stogsdill and Social Service Director Tisha Harty handed out certificates and gifts as Finkenbinder talked of each organization’s service to the nursing home and the community.
Those honored were:
• Emergency Disaster and Service Agency “for their quick, informative manner in which the response comes from the agency for emergencies and disasters,” said Finkenbinder. Chuck Shopp accepted the award.
• Pontiac Street and Alley Department “for getting our staff to work during the snow storm and keeping the streets open,” she said. Chris Brock accepted the award.
• St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry “for keeping the community fed and helping those in need,” she said. Evelyn Ribordy and Jane Kuerth accepted the award.
• Alfa Troop 2nd 106 Calvary Unit National Guard for “serving our country and helping out in disasters,” said Finkenbinder.
• WJEZ, Todd Lowery and Kent Casson, for “always keeping the community informed of weather alerts,” she said.
• Livingston County Coroner Michael P. Burke was honor for things he does “without being aware of what he does,” said Finkenbinder. “He reaches out to the younger generation, stressing the importance of safe driving and the use of common sense — such as promoting that the youth not take on habits that would cause a terrible outcome.”
• Livingston County Sheriff Marty Meredith was honored for his service, which was accepted by Chief Deputy Marvin R. Rutledge and Sgt. Earl Dutko. The department was honored “for combating the drugs in this area are commended. The continuing education of his officers will only enhance their job performance.”
• Betty Ester, a promoter of the city of Pontiac, was recognized for “placing Pontiac on the official tourism map,” said Finkenbinder. “People from all over the world come to visit our town. For that we are very grateful. Those groups of tourism helps to promote business, families moving her and our economy.”
• Del Estes Education Center honor was accepted by his widow, Betty and their son, Dave Estes. “Del had a dream, a goal and a strong drive to get the museum in place,” she said.
• Livingston County Food Pantry was recognized and volunteers Joan Bevill, Gwen Voytas, Grace Weaver, Betty Decker, Heather Robertson, Pastor Carolyn Bavaro and Edna Mae Rutherford.
• Duffy Ambulance Service award was accepted by Joe Stock, Brenda Matuszewski, Tina Diemer and Andrew Krominga. However, Matuszewski and Diemer had to leave abruptly when an emergency call came in during the awards.
• Pontiac Police Department was honored “for all of your efforts, keeping us safe and the continued education to both the officers and the community,” said Finkenbinder.
• Pontiac Fire Department for “always meeting the needs, for the 911 calls, fires, accidents and disasters, and for putting yourself at risk to help others,” she said. The award was accepted by Officers Jim Woolford and Jim Morgan.
• Paul Ritter, Pontiac Township High School ecology and science teacher, was honored for his “outstanding efforts educating the students, community and the all-out efforts for the P2D2 program,” she said.
• Danny Jarrett was in Springfield and could not be present. Accepting the honor on his behalf was his wife, Linda Jarrett. He is the president of the AFSCME Local 494 and was honored “for his continued support for the employees of the prison, the unselfish hours of work for the union and helping with the fight to keep the Pontiac Prison open,” said Finkenbinder.
• Scott McCoy was not present, but was honored ‘for his outstanding efforts, outcome and endless time that he spent as mayor during the flood.”
• State Police District 6 was not present, but was recognized for “keeping us safe and protecting and guiding us,” she said.
“They are like the Three Musketeers — when you need help you call on a Three Musketeer to come to your side,” Finkenbinder said of the 18 agencies. “We thank them whole-heartedly for all their efforts and dedication. We are a strong community because of those folks.
Richard Billington, a resident of ASTA Care Center, listens as awards were given to 28 “Hometown Heroes” during a reception Wednesday. Eighteen agencies were honored at the reception, which was held in conjunction with National Nursing Home Week.
By Peg Reynolds
Pontiac Daily Leader
Posted May 12, 2011 @ 09:07 AM
Pontiac, Ill. —
ASTA Care Center of Pontiac recognized 18 “Hometown Heroes” at a 2 p.m. reception Wednesday at the nursing home.
Activity Director Kathy Finkenbinder was the organizer of the event that honored 18 Pontiac, Livingston County and state officials and volunteers.
Most organizations were represented by at least one person. They were presented with a certificate and a goodie bag filled by nursing home residents. Inside the bag was a thank-you card, an American flag pin, and “a bunch of lifesavers, because they are lifesavers in this community,” said Finkenbinder.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community and letting them know we are part of the community,” she said. Honorees sat on one side of the main dining room as residents and staff filled the other side. Finkenbinder shared reasons why each agency was being honored and what they did to assist the residents and staff at the nursing home.
ASTA Care Center Administrator Lorrie Stogsdill and Social Service Director Tisha Harty handed out certificates and gifts as Finkenbinder talked of each organization’s service to the nursing home and the community.
Those honored were:
• Emergency Disaster and Service Agency “for their quick, informative manner in which the response comes from the agency for emergencies and disasters,” said Finkenbinder. Chuck Shopp accepted the award.
• Pontiac Street and Alley Department “for getting our staff to work during the snow storm and keeping the streets open,” she said. Chris Brock accepted the award.
• St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry “for keeping the community fed and helping those in need,” she said. Evelyn Ribordy and Jane Kuerth accepted the award.
• Alfa Troop 2nd 106 Calvary Unit National Guard for “serving our country and helping out in disasters,” said Finkenbinder.
• WJEZ, Todd Lowery and Kent Casson, for “always keeping the community informed of weather alerts,” she said.
• Livingston County Coroner Michael P. Burke was honor for things he does “without being aware of what he does,” said Finkenbinder. “He reaches out to the younger generation, stressing the importance of safe driving and the use of common sense — such as promoting that the youth not take on habits that would cause a terrible outcome.”
• Livingston County Sheriff Marty Meredith was honored for his service, which was accepted by Chief Deputy Marvin R. Rutledge and Sgt. Earl Dutko. The department was honored “for combating the drugs in this area are commended. The continuing education of his officers will only enhance their job performance.”
• Betty Ester, a promoter of the city of Pontiac, was recognized for “placing Pontiac on the official tourism map,” said Finkenbinder. “People from all over the world come to visit our town. For that we are very grateful. Those groups of tourism helps to promote business, families moving her and our economy.”
• Del Estes Education Center honor was accepted by his widow, Betty and their son, Dave Estes. “Del had a dream, a goal and a strong drive to get the museum in place,” she said.
• Livingston County Food Pantry was recognized and volunteers Joan Bevill, Gwen Voytas, Grace Weaver, Betty Decker, Heather Robertson, Pastor Carolyn Bavaro and Edna Mae Rutherford.
• Duffy Ambulance Service award was accepted by Joe Stock, Brenda Matuszewski, Tina Diemer and Andrew Krominga. However, Matuszewski and Diemer had to leave abruptly when an emergency call came in during the awards.
• Pontiac Police Department was honored “for all of your efforts, keeping us safe and the continued education to both the officers and the community,” said Finkenbinder.
• Pontiac Fire Department for “always meeting the needs, for the 911 calls, fires, accidents and disasters, and for putting yourself at risk to help others,” she said. The award was accepted by Officers Jim Woolford and Jim Morgan.
• Paul Ritter, Pontiac Township High School ecology and science teacher, was honored for his “outstanding efforts educating the students, community and the all-out efforts for the P2D2 program,” she said.
• Danny Jarrett was in Springfield and could not be present. Accepting the honor on his behalf was his wife, Linda Jarrett. He is the president of the AFSCME Local 494 and was honored “for his continued support for the employees of the prison, the unselfish hours of work for the union and helping with the fight to keep the Pontiac Prison open,” said Finkenbinder.
• Scott McCoy was not present, but was honored ‘for his outstanding efforts, outcome and endless time that he spent as mayor during the flood.”
• State Police District 6 was not present, but was recognized for “keeping us safe and protecting and guiding us,” she said.
“They are like the Three Musketeers — when you need help you call on a Three Musketeer to come to your side,” Finkenbinder said of the 18 agencies. “We thank them whole-heartedly for all their efforts and dedication. We are a strong community because of those folks.
Barickman praises students’ support
State Rep. Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, left, spoke with students at Pontiac Township High School about the upcoming Illinois Senate Environmental Committee meeting this week on House Bill 2056, which PTHS students worked to have passed earlier this year. With Barickman are students Joshua Faust and Lanora McCune, who worked on the legislation and will be working on the Senate passage.
By Sheila Shelton
Pontiac Daily Leader
Posted May 10, 2011 @ 09:50 AM
Pontiac, Ill. —
State Rep. Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, met with some students at Pontiac Township High School Monday morning to discuss the help they provided in getting a bill passed recently in the Illinois House.
It was House Bill 2056 that expands the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2) in Illinois.
Some of the same students who testified earlier this year before the House Environmental Committee will be returning this Wednesday to testify before the Senate Environmental Committee that is now considering the House Bill.
“I appreciate what you students have done. You came to Springfield and brought this issue to us,” Barickman told the students. “You guys have brought this to the forefront. Thanks for all you have done and are continuing to do. You guys are well on your way to becoming active, caring citizens.”
“You guys have reached out to your legislators,” said PTHS ecology and science teacher Paul Ritter. “There are people that will never understand what all you have done to make a change in the world.”
House Bill 2056 which passed the House by a 110-0 vote April 7 after its introduction in February was co-sponsored by Barickman. This bill would assess a $20 fee on those convicted of drug-related offenses, which would be used to fund disposal of prescription drugs.
P2D2 provides for safe disposal of antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, seizure medications, pain killers, tranquilizers and cholesterol lowering medications.
P2D2 was originally a program developed by Ritter and his PTHS students to be used in Livingston County. It has since then been utilized and adopted by schools all over Illinois and in various states throughout the United States. The program has won national acclaim and awards as means of ensuring preventing medications from ever getting back into the drinking water supply. There are several locations around the area where disposals of prescription drugs no longer needed can be made.
Student Josh Faust said that students are now working on starting the P2D2 program in Hawaii by contacting police officers and health departments to get the ball rolling.
“You students have participated in the largest grass roots program in our lifetimes,” said Ritter. “You guys are changing your world and standing up for the things you believe in. We once heard in December 2007 this couldn’t be done and now look at what you have done.”
“You will see this go through the Senate committee and then it pass to the full Senate and goes on to the governor for his signature,” said Barickman.
By Sheila Shelton
Pontiac Daily Leader
Posted May 10, 2011 @ 09:50 AM
Pontiac, Ill. —
State Rep. Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, met with some students at Pontiac Township High School Monday morning to discuss the help they provided in getting a bill passed recently in the Illinois House.
It was House Bill 2056 that expands the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2) in Illinois.
Some of the same students who testified earlier this year before the House Environmental Committee will be returning this Wednesday to testify before the Senate Environmental Committee that is now considering the House Bill.
“I appreciate what you students have done. You came to Springfield and brought this issue to us,” Barickman told the students. “You guys have brought this to the forefront. Thanks for all you have done and are continuing to do. You guys are well on your way to becoming active, caring citizens.”
“You guys have reached out to your legislators,” said PTHS ecology and science teacher Paul Ritter. “There are people that will never understand what all you have done to make a change in the world.”
House Bill 2056 which passed the House by a 110-0 vote April 7 after its introduction in February was co-sponsored by Barickman. This bill would assess a $20 fee on those convicted of drug-related offenses, which would be used to fund disposal of prescription drugs.
P2D2 provides for safe disposal of antibiotics, antidepressants, birth control pills, seizure medications, pain killers, tranquilizers and cholesterol lowering medications.
P2D2 was originally a program developed by Ritter and his PTHS students to be used in Livingston County. It has since then been utilized and adopted by schools all over Illinois and in various states throughout the United States. The program has won national acclaim and awards as means of ensuring preventing medications from ever getting back into the drinking water supply. There are several locations around the area where disposals of prescription drugs no longer needed can be made.
Student Josh Faust said that students are now working on starting the P2D2 program in Hawaii by contacting police officers and health departments to get the ball rolling.
“You students have participated in the largest grass roots program in our lifetimes,” said Ritter. “You guys are changing your world and standing up for the things you believe in. We once heard in December 2007 this couldn’t be done and now look at what you have done.”
“You will see this go through the Senate committee and then it pass to the full Senate and goes on to the governor for his signature,” said Barickman.
2011 SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards Rewards Kids Making a Difference
--Parks Grant $80,000 to Support Youth-Driven Eco-Projects from New York to Nebraska--
By: PR Newswire
May. 13, 2011 10:00 AM
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From coordinating coast-to-coast bake sales to help endangered sea turtles to building a floating classroom, kids and educators across the U.S. are designing creative ways to conserve the world we share. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment awarded eight youth-driven environmental groups with a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Award during a special awards ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando April 29. Each winning group received $10,000 to fund their efforts. Since 1993 the company has awarded $1.8 million to nearly 160 individuals, youth groups and schools.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-b)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO)
The 2011 award recipients include:
Cooking Up Ways to Help Endangered Sea Turtles - North Carolina
Casey Sokolovic is using her baking skills to help threatened and endangered sea turtles. Through her awareness program, "Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love a Sea Turtle," she bakes and sells turtle-shaped sugar cookies and lemonade to raise money in support of turtle conservation efforts. She created the "Great Bake for Oceans' Sake," a coast-to-coast bake sale that encourages people to bake and donate the proceeds to an ocean conservation organization.
Amphibians in Crisis - Nebraska
There are close to 6,000 known species of amphibians, almost 2,000 are threatened with extinction. To help researchers better understand the crisis, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. created the Amphibian Conservation Education Project. Little was known about amphibian populations in Nebraska. The program gets Omaha-area students involved in conducting statewide amphibian surveys that provide information to state researchers.
Fighting the "Purple Plaque" - Nebraska
Purple Loosestrife, an invasive plant, is a constant threat to the wetlands around the tiny town of Niobrara, Neb. To combat this "purple plaque," Niobrara High School biology students breed armies of Galerucella beetles, which are placed in areas to feed on Purple Loosestrife. The students' work has resulted in increased vegetation diversity in wetlands that were once infested.
A Floating Classroom - Virginia
The Elizabeth River is one of the most polluted rivers that terminate in the Chesapeake Bay. The Learning Barge is a "green" vessel created by the University of Virginia School (UVA) of Architecture and The Elizabeth River Project to inform, inspire and engage riders and participants to help make the river safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The barge's features include a floating wetland nursery, power systems run by sun and wind, compost toilets, hand-washing stations that use rain water, a seining pool to enclose fish for study, oyster floats, habitat cubes, an underwater camera and enclosed classroom. Since its creation in 2006, more than 10,000 people have been aboard learning what they can do to support the river's restoration.
Disposing Pills, Disposing Problems - Michigan
Pontiac Township High School students are leading the charge to educate the public on the environmental dangers that improperly disposed prescription and non-prescription pills and drugs have on a community's water supply. Through their Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2), the students not only educate the community but also provide alternative disposal methods, ranging from how to properly throw away controlled substances to how to coordinate drop-off locations. The program has expanded to more than half of the 102 counties in Illinois. The program's sponsor, Pontiac Township High School teacher Paul Ritter, was named as an Outstanding Environmental Educator by the National Science Teachers Association.
Saving the Creek - West Virginia
The Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an award-winning, self-driven youth group whose mission is to increase youth participation in helping clean up decades of environmental degradation in Deckers Creek in north central West Virginia. Their efforts include trash cleanups, educational outreach programs and fundraising. Over the past four years, YAB has worked diligently to secure more than $20,000 in funding for their projects.
Keeping Watch Upstream - New York State
The Environmental Study Team (EST) encourages and assists youth people in upstate New York to be active in the monitoring and improvement of their local environment. The students help assess and document the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater streams, particularly along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River, and present their findings to the public and local government. The team also has discovered and reported previously unknown sources of pollution.
Green and Growing - Pennsylvania
Inspired by their new LEED-certified building, Green Valley Elementary School faculty and students created the "Green and Growing" program. The program includes green challenges to encourage students and their families to recycle and conserve water and energy at home, the creation of an outside green zone complete with trees, a wetland meadow and grasslands, and an outdoor classroom with amphitheater-style seating overlooking a nature trail.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment to animals benefits animals around the world. The company has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund -- a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable foundation -- has granted more than $7 million to support hundreds of projects around the world. For more information, visit www.seaworldcares.com.
SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
By: PR Newswire
May. 13, 2011 10:00 AM
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From coordinating coast-to-coast bake sales to help endangered sea turtles to building a floating classroom, kids and educators across the U.S. are designing creative ways to conserve the world we share. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment awarded eight youth-driven environmental groups with a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Award during a special awards ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando April 29. Each winning group received $10,000 to fund their efforts. Since 1993 the company has awarded $1.8 million to nearly 160 individuals, youth groups and schools.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-b)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO)
The 2011 award recipients include:
Cooking Up Ways to Help Endangered Sea Turtles - North Carolina
Casey Sokolovic is using her baking skills to help threatened and endangered sea turtles. Through her awareness program, "Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love a Sea Turtle," she bakes and sells turtle-shaped sugar cookies and lemonade to raise money in support of turtle conservation efforts. She created the "Great Bake for Oceans' Sake," a coast-to-coast bake sale that encourages people to bake and donate the proceeds to an ocean conservation organization.
Amphibians in Crisis - Nebraska
There are close to 6,000 known species of amphibians, almost 2,000 are threatened with extinction. To help researchers better understand the crisis, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. created the Amphibian Conservation Education Project. Little was known about amphibian populations in Nebraska. The program gets Omaha-area students involved in conducting statewide amphibian surveys that provide information to state researchers.
Fighting the "Purple Plaque" - Nebraska
Purple Loosestrife, an invasive plant, is a constant threat to the wetlands around the tiny town of Niobrara, Neb. To combat this "purple plaque," Niobrara High School biology students breed armies of Galerucella beetles, which are placed in areas to feed on Purple Loosestrife. The students' work has resulted in increased vegetation diversity in wetlands that were once infested.
A Floating Classroom - Virginia
The Elizabeth River is one of the most polluted rivers that terminate in the Chesapeake Bay. The Learning Barge is a "green" vessel created by the University of Virginia School (UVA) of Architecture and The Elizabeth River Project to inform, inspire and engage riders and participants to help make the river safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The barge's features include a floating wetland nursery, power systems run by sun and wind, compost toilets, hand-washing stations that use rain water, a seining pool to enclose fish for study, oyster floats, habitat cubes, an underwater camera and enclosed classroom. Since its creation in 2006, more than 10,000 people have been aboard learning what they can do to support the river's restoration.
Disposing Pills, Disposing Problems - Michigan
Pontiac Township High School students are leading the charge to educate the public on the environmental dangers that improperly disposed prescription and non-prescription pills and drugs have on a community's water supply. Through their Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2), the students not only educate the community but also provide alternative disposal methods, ranging from how to properly throw away controlled substances to how to coordinate drop-off locations. The program has expanded to more than half of the 102 counties in Illinois. The program's sponsor, Pontiac Township High School teacher Paul Ritter, was named as an Outstanding Environmental Educator by the National Science Teachers Association.
Saving the Creek - West Virginia
The Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an award-winning, self-driven youth group whose mission is to increase youth participation in helping clean up decades of environmental degradation in Deckers Creek in north central West Virginia. Their efforts include trash cleanups, educational outreach programs and fundraising. Over the past four years, YAB has worked diligently to secure more than $20,000 in funding for their projects.
Keeping Watch Upstream - New York State
The Environmental Study Team (EST) encourages and assists youth people in upstate New York to be active in the monitoring and improvement of their local environment. The students help assess and document the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater streams, particularly along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River, and present their findings to the public and local government. The team also has discovered and reported previously unknown sources of pollution.
Green and Growing - Pennsylvania
Inspired by their new LEED-certified building, Green Valley Elementary School faculty and students created the "Green and Growing" program. The program includes green challenges to encourage students and their families to recycle and conserve water and energy at home, the creation of an outside green zone complete with trees, a wetland meadow and grasslands, and an outdoor classroom with amphitheater-style seating overlooking a nature trail.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment to animals benefits animals around the world. The company has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund -- a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable foundation -- has granted more than $7 million to support hundreds of projects around the world. For more information, visit www.seaworldcares.com.
SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
2011 SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Awards Rewards Kids Making a Difference
--Parks Grant $80,000 to Support Youth-Driven Eco-Projects from New York to Nebraska--
By: PR Newswire
May. 13, 2011 10:00 AM
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From coordinating coast-to-coast bake sales to help endangered sea turtles to building a floating classroom, kids and educators across the U.S. are designing creative ways to conserve the world we share. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment awarded eight youth-driven environmental groups with a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Award during a special awards ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando April 29. Each winning group received $10,000 to fund their efforts. Since 1993 the company has awarded $1.8 million to nearly 160 individuals, youth groups and schools.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-b)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO)
The 2011 award recipients include:
Cooking Up Ways to Help Endangered Sea Turtles - North Carolina
Casey Sokolovic is using her baking skills to help threatened and endangered sea turtles. Through her awareness program, "Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love a Sea Turtle," she bakes and sells turtle-shaped sugar cookies and lemonade to raise money in support of turtle conservation efforts. She created the "Great Bake for Oceans' Sake," a coast-to-coast bake sale that encourages people to bake and donate the proceeds to an ocean conservation organization.
Amphibians in Crisis - Nebraska
There are close to 6,000 known species of amphibians, almost 2,000 are threatened with extinction. To help researchers better understand the crisis, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. created the Amphibian Conservation Education Project. Little was known about amphibian populations in Nebraska. The program gets Omaha-area students involved in conducting statewide amphibian surveys that provide information to state researchers.
Fighting the "Purple Plaque" - Nebraska
Purple Loosestrife, an invasive plant, is a constant threat to the wetlands around the tiny town of Niobrara, Neb. To combat this "purple plaque," Niobrara High School biology students breed armies of Galerucella beetles, which are placed in areas to feed on Purple Loosestrife. The students' work has resulted in increased vegetation diversity in wetlands that were once infested.
A Floating Classroom - Virginia
The Elizabeth River is one of the most polluted rivers that terminate in the Chesapeake Bay. The Learning Barge is a "green" vessel created by the University of Virginia School (UVA) of Architecture and The Elizabeth River Project to inform, inspire and engage riders and participants to help make the river safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The barge's features include a floating wetland nursery, power systems run by sun and wind, compost toilets, hand-washing stations that use rain water, a seining pool to enclose fish for study, oyster floats, habitat cubes, an underwater camera and enclosed classroom. Since its creation in 2006, more than 10,000 people have been aboard learning what they can do to support the river's restoration.
Disposing Pills, Disposing Problems - Michigan
Pontiac Township High School students are leading the charge to educate the public on the environmental dangers that improperly disposed prescription and non-prescription pills and drugs have on a community's water supply. Through their Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2), the students not only educate the community but also provide alternative disposal methods, ranging from how to properly throw away controlled substances to how to coordinate drop-off locations. The program has expanded to more than half of the 102 counties in Illinois. The program's sponsor, Pontiac Township High School teacher Paul Ritter, was named as an Outstanding Environmental Educator by the National Science Teachers Association.
Saving the Creek - West Virginia
The Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an award-winning, self-driven youth group whose mission is to increase youth participation in helping clean up decades of environmental degradation in Deckers Creek in north central West Virginia. Their efforts include trash cleanups, educational outreach programs and fundraising. Over the past four years, YAB has worked diligently to secure more than $20,000 in funding for their projects.
Keeping Watch Upstream - New York State
The Environmental Study Team (EST) encourages and assists youth people in upstate New York to be active in the monitoring and improvement of their local environment. The students help assess and document the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater streams, particularly along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River, and present their findings to the public and local government. The team also has discovered and reported previously unknown sources of pollution.
Green and Growing - Pennsylvania
Inspired by their new LEED-certified building, Green Valley Elementary School faculty and students created the "Green and Growing" program. The program includes green challenges to encourage students and their families to recycle and conserve water and energy at home, the creation of an outside green zone complete with trees, a wetland meadow and grasslands, and an outdoor classroom with amphitheater-style seating overlooking a nature trail.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment to animals benefits animals around the world. The company has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund -- a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable foundation -- has granted more than $7 million to support hundreds of projects around the world. For more information, visit www.seaworldcares.com.
SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
By: PR Newswire
May. 13, 2011 10:00 AM
ORLANDO, Fla., May 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- From coordinating coast-to-coast bake sales to help endangered sea turtles to building a floating classroom, kids and educators across the U.S. are designing creative ways to conserve the world we share. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment awarded eight youth-driven environmental groups with a SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Environmental Excellence Award during a special awards ceremony at SeaWorld Orlando April 29. Each winning group received $10,000 to fund their efforts. Since 1993 the company has awarded $1.8 million to nearly 160 individuals, youth groups and schools.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110513/FL01002-b)
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091201/FL19045LOGO)
The 2011 award recipients include:
Cooking Up Ways to Help Endangered Sea Turtles - North Carolina
Casey Sokolovic is using her baking skills to help threatened and endangered sea turtles. Through her awareness program, "Help Them L.A.S.T. - Love a Sea Turtle," she bakes and sells turtle-shaped sugar cookies and lemonade to raise money in support of turtle conservation efforts. She created the "Great Bake for Oceans' Sake," a coast-to-coast bake sale that encourages people to bake and donate the proceeds to an ocean conservation organization.
Amphibians in Crisis - Nebraska
There are close to 6,000 known species of amphibians, almost 2,000 are threatened with extinction. To help researchers better understand the crisis, the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Neb. created the Amphibian Conservation Education Project. Little was known about amphibian populations in Nebraska. The program gets Omaha-area students involved in conducting statewide amphibian surveys that provide information to state researchers.
Fighting the "Purple Plaque" - Nebraska
Purple Loosestrife, an invasive plant, is a constant threat to the wetlands around the tiny town of Niobrara, Neb. To combat this "purple plaque," Niobrara High School biology students breed armies of Galerucella beetles, which are placed in areas to feed on Purple Loosestrife. The students' work has resulted in increased vegetation diversity in wetlands that were once infested.
A Floating Classroom - Virginia
The Elizabeth River is one of the most polluted rivers that terminate in the Chesapeake Bay. The Learning Barge is a "green" vessel created by the University of Virginia School (UVA) of Architecture and The Elizabeth River Project to inform, inspire and engage riders and participants to help make the river safe for swimming and fishing by 2020. The barge's features include a floating wetland nursery, power systems run by sun and wind, compost toilets, hand-washing stations that use rain water, a seining pool to enclose fish for study, oyster floats, habitat cubes, an underwater camera and enclosed classroom. Since its creation in 2006, more than 10,000 people have been aboard learning what they can do to support the river's restoration.
Disposing Pills, Disposing Problems - Michigan
Pontiac Township High School students are leading the charge to educate the public on the environmental dangers that improperly disposed prescription and non-prescription pills and drugs have on a community's water supply. Through their Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program (P2D2), the students not only educate the community but also provide alternative disposal methods, ranging from how to properly throw away controlled substances to how to coordinate drop-off locations. The program has expanded to more than half of the 102 counties in Illinois. The program's sponsor, Pontiac Township High School teacher Paul Ritter, was named as an Outstanding Environmental Educator by the National Science Teachers Association.
Saving the Creek - West Virginia
The Friends of Deckers Creek (FODC) Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is an award-winning, self-driven youth group whose mission is to increase youth participation in helping clean up decades of environmental degradation in Deckers Creek in north central West Virginia. Their efforts include trash cleanups, educational outreach programs and fundraising. Over the past four years, YAB has worked diligently to secure more than $20,000 in funding for their projects.
Keeping Watch Upstream - New York State
The Environmental Study Team (EST) encourages and assists youth people in upstate New York to be active in the monitoring and improvement of their local environment. The students help assess and document the physical, chemical, and biological properties of freshwater streams, particularly along the Schoharie Creek and Mohawk River, and present their findings to the public and local government. The team also has discovered and reported previously unknown sources of pollution.
Green and Growing - Pennsylvania
Inspired by their new LEED-certified building, Green Valley Elementary School faculty and students created the "Green and Growing" program. The program includes green challenges to encourage students and their families to recycle and conserve water and energy at home, the creation of an outside green zone complete with trees, a wetland meadow and grasslands, and an outdoor classroom with amphitheater-style seating overlooking a nature trail.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment to animals benefits animals around the world. The company has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over the past four decades and contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship programs worldwide. The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund -- a non-profit, 501(c)3 charitable foundation -- has granted more than $7 million to support hundreds of projects around the world. For more information, visit www.seaworldcares.com.
SOURCE SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
PTHS students hope for P2D2 program expansion
By: Kent Casson | 2 weeks ago
St. Rep. Jason Barickman talks with PTHS teacher Paul Ritter on Monday (photo by: Kent Casson/WJBC).
State Representative Jason Barickman is joining Pontiac Township High School students in urging the senate passage of a house bill, which expands the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program in Illinois.
On Wednesday, the senate will consider House Bill 2056, which would assess a $20 fee on those convicted on drug offenses. The money would be used to fund disposal of prescription drugs.
PTHS student Amber Brunskill made a video about the P2D2 Program, which originated in Pontiac.
“We went down to the Illinois House and it really got be interested. I have been involved in P2D2 across the state with Mr. (Paul) Ritter,” said Brunskill.
Student Beth Guelde has worked with P2D2 for the past few years.
“Last year, we introduced it to the Caterpillar Plant, which then introduced the program into some new states. I have seen it grow pretty far. This year, we are introducing P2D2 in Hawaii and Alaska too,” said Guelde.
Barickman addressed some PTHS students on Monday morning, saying he is impressed with their efforts to help protect the environment. Barickman says he is proud to do his part of help expand the worthy program throughout the state.
St. Rep. Jason Barickman talks with PTHS teacher Paul Ritter on Monday (photo by: Kent Casson/WJBC).
State Representative Jason Barickman is joining Pontiac Township High School students in urging the senate passage of a house bill, which expands the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program in Illinois.
On Wednesday, the senate will consider House Bill 2056, which would assess a $20 fee on those convicted on drug offenses. The money would be used to fund disposal of prescription drugs.
PTHS student Amber Brunskill made a video about the P2D2 Program, which originated in Pontiac.
“We went down to the Illinois House and it really got be interested. I have been involved in P2D2 across the state with Mr. (Paul) Ritter,” said Brunskill.
Student Beth Guelde has worked with P2D2 for the past few years.
“Last year, we introduced it to the Caterpillar Plant, which then introduced the program into some new states. I have seen it grow pretty far. This year, we are introducing P2D2 in Hawaii and Alaska too,” said Guelde.
Barickman addressed some PTHS students on Monday morning, saying he is impressed with their efforts to help protect the environment. Barickman says he is proud to do his part of help expand the worthy program throughout the state.
National Take Back day will accept your old prescription meds
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
By Lindsay Vaughn
ntprinceton@newstrib.com
When not disposed of properly, old prescription medications can leach into the environment or be found and abused.
The Bureau/Putnam County Community Partners Against Substance Abuse and local law enforcement agencies are taking a proactive approach to preventing these problems by participating in National Take Back Day.
Citizens can bring unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs to the Princeton Police Department for the collection event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
The national program is a U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration initiative. The Princeton Police Department is hosting the local event for CPASA.
“It’s kind of a derivative of our P2D2 program, but the DEA is on board now and that really helps a lot,” said Princeton’s Deputy Chief Allan Beaber.
P2D2 — a prescription drug disposal program — has given Bureau and Putnam county residents a safe place to get rid of unwanted prescription meds since last summer. Through a partnership with CPASA, the Princeton Police Department, Spring Valley Police Department, Bureau County Sheriff’s Department and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office have provided secure drop-off boxes in their stations.
After Saturday’s event, the DEA will collect and dispose of any drugs Princeton police collect.
“This is one day when anybody and everybody can bring their drugs into the police department. It will be secured and stored, and a day later the DEA will come and transport it and incinerate it for us. There’s no cost to the police department or anybody,” said Beaber. Another one-day event will be held this fall, Beaber added.
About two weeks ago, the DEA picked up more than 1,300 pounds of pills that the Princeton Police Department had already collected.
“We had one room back here that was just filled with boxes and bags of unused and outdated prescription drugs. 1,300 pounds. Look how much of that is not in our water system, not in our land, and there won’t be the opportunity for a person to take those and abuse them,” said Beaber.
According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, and every day, about 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.
A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
On the first-ever National Take Back Day last fall, law enforcement agencies throughout the country took in more than 121 tons of pills.
At that time, CPASA was still getting local agencies started with the ongoing P2D2 program and couldn’t participate in the national event, but CPASA coordinator Dawn Conerton is excited to take part now.
“We’re still going to be doing the ongoing program throughout Bureau and Putnam counties, but this is a program where we can support the DEA and the DEA supports us,” Conerton said.
By Lindsay Vaughn
ntprinceton@newstrib.com
When not disposed of properly, old prescription medications can leach into the environment or be found and abused.
The Bureau/Putnam County Community Partners Against Substance Abuse and local law enforcement agencies are taking a proactive approach to preventing these problems by participating in National Take Back Day.
Citizens can bring unused, unwanted or expired prescription drugs to the Princeton Police Department for the collection event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
The national program is a U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration initiative. The Princeton Police Department is hosting the local event for CPASA.
“It’s kind of a derivative of our P2D2 program, but the DEA is on board now and that really helps a lot,” said Princeton’s Deputy Chief Allan Beaber.
P2D2 — a prescription drug disposal program — has given Bureau and Putnam county residents a safe place to get rid of unwanted prescription meds since last summer. Through a partnership with CPASA, the Princeton Police Department, Spring Valley Police Department, Bureau County Sheriff’s Department and Putnam County Sheriff’s Office have provided secure drop-off boxes in their stations.
After Saturday’s event, the DEA will collect and dispose of any drugs Princeton police collect.
“This is one day when anybody and everybody can bring their drugs into the police department. It will be secured and stored, and a day later the DEA will come and transport it and incinerate it for us. There’s no cost to the police department or anybody,” said Beaber. Another one-day event will be held this fall, Beaber added.
About two weeks ago, the DEA picked up more than 1,300 pounds of pills that the Princeton Police Department had already collected.
“We had one room back here that was just filled with boxes and bags of unused and outdated prescription drugs. 1,300 pounds. Look how much of that is not in our water system, not in our land, and there won’t be the opportunity for a person to take those and abuse them,” said Beaber.
According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, and every day, about 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.
A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
On the first-ever National Take Back Day last fall, law enforcement agencies throughout the country took in more than 121 tons of pills.
At that time, CPASA was still getting local agencies started with the ongoing P2D2 program and couldn’t participate in the national event, but CPASA coordinator Dawn Conerton is excited to take part now.
“We’re still going to be doing the ongoing program throughout Bureau and Putnam counties, but this is a program where we can support the DEA and the DEA supports us,” Conerton said.
Students Spur Legislation To Keep Drugs Out Of Waterways
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) – Whether you use prescription drugs properly or abuse them, a group of students is emphasizing that landfills and waterways are no place for the unused pills.
As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Dave Dahl reports, Paul Ritter, a science teacher at Pontiac High School downstate, told a state House committee that his students originally developed the P2D2 Program. P2D2 is short for “Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal.”
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Dave Dahl reports
“These are students who have put their hard work and effort and the blood, sweat and tears,” Ritter said. “You’ll also notice there’s a piece in there called the medicine chest. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant thought so much of these kids that they took their curriculum and presented it, and published it.”
Students from Antioch Community High School were also involved in creating the program.
HB 2506 would allow law enforcement personnel to collect prescription drugs from residential sources and burn them. It has already passed out of a state House Environmental Affairs Committee and is now going before the full state House.
It is meant as an alternative to flushing unused prescription drugs down the toilet, thus contaminating waterways and marine life.
As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Dave Dahl reports, Paul Ritter, a science teacher at Pontiac High School downstate, told a state House committee that his students originally developed the P2D2 Program. P2D2 is short for “Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal.”
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Dave Dahl reports
“These are students who have put their hard work and effort and the blood, sweat and tears,” Ritter said. “You’ll also notice there’s a piece in there called the medicine chest. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant thought so much of these kids that they took their curriculum and presented it, and published it.”
Students from Antioch Community High School were also involved in creating the program.
HB 2506 would allow law enforcement personnel to collect prescription drugs from residential sources and burn them. It has already passed out of a state House Environmental Affairs Committee and is now going before the full state House.
It is meant as an alternative to flushing unused prescription drugs down the toilet, thus contaminating waterways and marine life.
Pontiac Students Showcase Growth of P2D2 Program
PEORIA - When the P2D2 prescription pill and drug disposal program started four years ago at Pontiac High School, few people could have foreseen its incredible growth into a national movement.
"We have Alaska. Hawaii is joining in and we have a couple other states, but it's grown pretty fast," says Pontiac senior Bethany Guelde. "It's pretty exciting."
As part of Peoria's Clean Water Celebration, students are continuing to help the growth of the P2D2 program by educating area students about the dangers of prescription medicine and our drinking water.
"Mostly just to get the word out so the kids can start their own program, if they like," says Pontiac senior Amber Brunskill. "Maybe make good decisions themselves."
The unique part of P2D2 is that the students are the ones who continually take the lead to move the program forward. Some students are even looking to take that sense of responsibility beyond high school.
"I've already talked to the college I'm going to in Michigan. I'm going to start a program up there because it has not yet been introduced into the community," Guelde says.
Students say the program is essential because even though two-thirds of the world lacks clean drinking water, we often take it for granted.
"It's just not something that goes through most people's minds, so when we say this is a huge deal and something needs to be done about it, most people are shocked by that," says Pontiac sophomore Charles Spencer.
But the dedication of these motivated students all but guarantees P2D2's success for years to come.
"I've learned so much and I love the program that I wish I wasn't a senior now and could keep going," says Brunskill.
In four years, P2D2 has expanded into 16 states, disposing over 135,000 pounds of medication and other drugs.
"We have Alaska. Hawaii is joining in and we have a couple other states, but it's grown pretty fast," says Pontiac senior Bethany Guelde. "It's pretty exciting."
As part of Peoria's Clean Water Celebration, students are continuing to help the growth of the P2D2 program by educating area students about the dangers of prescription medicine and our drinking water.
"Mostly just to get the word out so the kids can start their own program, if they like," says Pontiac senior Amber Brunskill. "Maybe make good decisions themselves."
The unique part of P2D2 is that the students are the ones who continually take the lead to move the program forward. Some students are even looking to take that sense of responsibility beyond high school.
"I've already talked to the college I'm going to in Michigan. I'm going to start a program up there because it has not yet been introduced into the community," Guelde says.
Students say the program is essential because even though two-thirds of the world lacks clean drinking water, we often take it for granted.
"It's just not something that goes through most people's minds, so when we say this is a huge deal and something needs to be done about it, most people are shocked by that," says Pontiac sophomore Charles Spencer.
But the dedication of these motivated students all but guarantees P2D2's success for years to come.
"I've learned so much and I love the program that I wish I wasn't a senior now and could keep going," says Brunskill.
In four years, P2D2 has expanded into 16 states, disposing over 135,000 pounds of medication and other drugs.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Local Law Enforcement Taking Back Drugs Saturday
04/29/2011
Area residents are encouraged to clean out your medicine cabinets while you're doing your spring cleaning this week.
Local law enforcement and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are teaming up to take part in "Operation Take Back" on Saturday. DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner explains that several local agencies are hosting the first ever county wide program aimed at properly disposing of expired or unused medication. He says officers will be stationed throughout DeWitt County Saturday to give residents the opportunity to turn in old medications.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
The special event is a one day expansion of the City of Clinton's "Prescription Pill Drug Disposal" program, or P2D2. Police Chief Mike Reidy notes response to the city's year old program has been outstanding, and sees Saturday's collection as a way of reaching other local communities. He says the program not only keeps the medications out of landfills, but also out of the hands of potential abusers.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Both Reidy and Shofner agree that abuse of prescription drugs is by far the most common form of drug abuse in the county. The sheriff says local instances of prescription drug abuse are on the rise, as are related crimes linked to prescription drugs.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
All unwanted or expired medications will be accepted as part of Saturday's "Take Back" effort. Officers at the Clinton Police Department will host a drive-up and drop off program from 8am until 12pm. The Farmer City Police Department will be a collection point from 12pm-4pm. The DeWitt County Sheriff's Department will have deputies stationed from 12pm-4pm Saturday at collection points at the fire departments in Wapella, Weldon, Waynesville, and Kenney.
The medications collected will then be turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.
Area residents are encouraged to clean out your medicine cabinets while you're doing your spring cleaning this week.
Local law enforcement and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) are teaming up to take part in "Operation Take Back" on Saturday. DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner explains that several local agencies are hosting the first ever county wide program aimed at properly disposing of expired or unused medication. He says officers will be stationed throughout DeWitt County Saturday to give residents the opportunity to turn in old medications.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
The special event is a one day expansion of the City of Clinton's "Prescription Pill Drug Disposal" program, or P2D2. Police Chief Mike Reidy notes response to the city's year old program has been outstanding, and sees Saturday's collection as a way of reaching other local communities. He says the program not only keeps the medications out of landfills, but also out of the hands of potential abusers.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
Both Reidy and Shofner agree that abuse of prescription drugs is by far the most common form of drug abuse in the county. The sheriff says local instances of prescription drug abuse are on the rise, as are related crimes linked to prescription drugs.
CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO
All unwanted or expired medications will be accepted as part of Saturday's "Take Back" effort. Officers at the Clinton Police Department will host a drive-up and drop off program from 8am until 12pm. The Farmer City Police Department will be a collection point from 12pm-4pm. The DeWitt County Sheriff's Department will have deputies stationed from 12pm-4pm Saturday at collection points at the fire departments in Wapella, Weldon, Waynesville, and Kenney.
The medications collected will then be turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.
P2D2 and Drug Enforcement Agency sponsoring drug disposal day
04/29/2011
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Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency's second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30.
Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted medications at participating sites so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged.
"This event is a great opportunity for residents to securely drop off any unused or expired medications," said Karla Olson Teasley, Illinois American Water president, in a press release. "It's important for us to keep these items out of our landfills and water supplies."
Collection sites participating in this event can be located by visiting www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com or www.justthinktwice.com. There are prescription drug disposal sites at the Ottawa and Streator police departments.
"We encourage those who cannot participate during this DEA event to continue to utilize their community pharmaceutical disposal programs to properly dispose of their unwanted medications," Teasley added. "Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed."
Through partnership and collaboration with local pharmacies, police departments and government officials, Illinois American Water has implemented and supported 19 pharmaceutical disposal programs across the state. These community pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs.
Programs supported in conjunction with Illinois American Water include three drop-off locations in Peoria as well as sites in Alton, Bartonville, Belleville, Caseyville, Champaign, Chillicothe, Collinsville, Fairmont City, Maryville, O'Fallon, Pekin, Peoria Heights, Pontiac, Streator, Urbana and Waterloo.
To learn more visit www.illinoisamwater.com.
Comment on this story | Print this story | Email this story
Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency's second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30.
Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted medications at participating sites so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged.
"This event is a great opportunity for residents to securely drop off any unused or expired medications," said Karla Olson Teasley, Illinois American Water president, in a press release. "It's important for us to keep these items out of our landfills and water supplies."
Collection sites participating in this event can be located by visiting www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com or www.justthinktwice.com. There are prescription drug disposal sites at the Ottawa and Streator police departments.
"We encourage those who cannot participate during this DEA event to continue to utilize their community pharmaceutical disposal programs to properly dispose of their unwanted medications," Teasley added. "Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed."
Through partnership and collaboration with local pharmacies, police departments and government officials, Illinois American Water has implemented and supported 19 pharmaceutical disposal programs across the state. These community pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs.
Programs supported in conjunction with Illinois American Water include three drop-off locations in Peoria as well as sites in Alton, Bartonville, Belleville, Caseyville, Champaign, Chillicothe, Collinsville, Fairmont City, Maryville, O'Fallon, Pekin, Peoria Heights, Pontiac, Streator, Urbana and Waterloo.
To learn more visit www.illinoisamwater.com.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Conservation is key on second day of Clean Water Celebration
If the 2,000 or so students who left the Clean Water Celebration walked away learning only one thing, it was that water flows downhill.
That means the things that ruin water for people in Peoria can easily ruin water for people in St. Louis, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
"Water flows downhill, never uphill," said Denise Reed, a professor of geology and geophysics at the University of New Orleans, during a keynote address at the Peoria Civic Center. "Water always comes from you to us, never from us to you."
The theme of this year's Clean Water Celebration, put on annually by the Sun Foundation and its partners, was "From Our Gutters to the Gulf."
The Clean Water Celebration is a two-day event. The first day, which was Sunday this year, is on Peoria's waterfront. The second day brings school children from the Tri-County Area and beyond to the Civic Center for the keynote speakers and breakout sessions.
The message spread to the students was one of conservation, about taking care of their waterways for themselves and for neighbors to the south.
Paul Ritter's classes at Pontiac Township High School have been living that message for a few years. The students in those classes have designed receptacles for unused prescription drugs. They distribute them in municipalities across the states in hopes those unwanted prescription drugs will not be flushed down the toilet or carelessly discarded, causing them to wash into rivers and lakes.
"I've seen a lot of fish with six eyes or two heads," said Charles Spencer, a sophomore at Pontiac. "And a lot of people believe the reason is prescription drugs in the rivers."
The group has served as inspiration for a number of other drug recycling programs in the state, including Peoria County's.
The program also instills in the students a sense of urgency in protecting the area's waterways.
"It's really become part of the whole school," said Amber Brunskill, a senior who plans to stay involved in the movement after graduation.
The group, along with a few dozen others, ran a booth at the celebration, handing out literature and trying to encourage other students to get involved.
That means the things that ruin water for people in Peoria can easily ruin water for people in St. Louis, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
"Water flows downhill, never uphill," said Denise Reed, a professor of geology and geophysics at the University of New Orleans, during a keynote address at the Peoria Civic Center. "Water always comes from you to us, never from us to you."
The theme of this year's Clean Water Celebration, put on annually by the Sun Foundation and its partners, was "From Our Gutters to the Gulf."
The Clean Water Celebration is a two-day event. The first day, which was Sunday this year, is on Peoria's waterfront. The second day brings school children from the Tri-County Area and beyond to the Civic Center for the keynote speakers and breakout sessions.
The message spread to the students was one of conservation, about taking care of their waterways for themselves and for neighbors to the south.
Paul Ritter's classes at Pontiac Township High School have been living that message for a few years. The students in those classes have designed receptacles for unused prescription drugs. They distribute them in municipalities across the states in hopes those unwanted prescription drugs will not be flushed down the toilet or carelessly discarded, causing them to wash into rivers and lakes.
"I've seen a lot of fish with six eyes or two heads," said Charles Spencer, a sophomore at Pontiac. "And a lot of people believe the reason is prescription drugs in the rivers."
The group has served as inspiration for a number of other drug recycling programs in the state, including Peoria County's.
The program also instills in the students a sense of urgency in protecting the area's waterways.
"It's really become part of the whole school," said Amber Brunskill, a senior who plans to stay involved in the movement after graduation.
The group, along with a few dozen others, ran a booth at the celebration, handing out literature and trying to encourage other students to get involved.
Cracking down on drug abuse Drop boxes to be placed in several locations for prescription drug disposal
With prescription drug abuse becoming an increasingly lethal issue in
Effingham County, several organizations are banding together in an effort to
get these potentially deadly drugs off the street.
Secure drop boxes will be placed in several locations for drug disposal
within the next month as part of the P2D2 program. Effingham County Chief
Deputy John Loy said Monday that boxes will be placed on the first floor of
both the Effingham County Office Building and Effingham County Government
Center, the Illinois State Police District 12 headquarters in Effingham,
Altamont Municipal Building and Altamont Pharmacy.
Loy said the boxes can be put anywhere with either human or video
surveillance.
³We¹re still looking for locations to put them,² he said. ³The drugs will
be picked up by bonded couriers and then destroyed.²
Coroner Leigh Hammer said the program will hopefully lessen the incidence
of prescription drug abuse cases that, sadly, turn into fatalities.
³It¹s a big project,² said Hammer, who added that drugs can also be
dropped off at the Effingham County Health Department.
Hammer said there have been 12 to 15 deaths in the county resulting from
prescription drug abuse in the past three years. Prescription drug abuse
became more widely known in the area after a combination of aggressive
enforcement and legislative action dramatically reduced methamphetamine
abuse in rural Illinois.
The program is being facilitated by the Effingham County Youth Ambassador
program, an outgrowth of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program.
Several ambassadors appeared at Monday¹s County Board meeting.
³4-H isn¹t just about the animals,² said St. Anthony High School student
Jesse Haarmann.
Other ambassadors appearing at Monday¹s meeting included Abby Westendorf
of Teutopolis, Michael Goldstein of St. Anthony and Ethan Fitzwilliam of
Altamont. Westendorf thanked the board for its service to the county.
Hammer praised the group after the meeting for its work.
³I applaud them for stepping forward and taking leadership roles,² she
said.
The board took little action at Monday¹s brief meeting, though it did
hear from John Schuler of the Post Oak Flats Resource Conservation and
Development organization. Post Oak Flats is a federally-funded non-profit
organization with a multi-faceted mission.
Schuler told the board that one of the agency¹s primary missions in
recent years has been to stimulate entrepreneurship in its five-county
coverage area, which includes Effingham, Clay, Fayette, Jasper and Marion
counties. Post Oak Flats has assisted the Effingham County high school CEO
entrepreneurship class, for example.
In action taken Monday, the board voted 6-1 to buy an ad for the county
map distributed by the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Board vice chairman Bob Shields was the only person to vote against the ad,
while board members Rob Arnold and Jim Reeves were absent.
Shields said he didn¹t see how the money spent on the ad would
significantly help county taxpayers.
³It¹s not that maps are a bad thing, and I¹m not trying to criticize the
board members who voted for it, but I just don¹t see how the taxpayer
benefits from this at a time when we are trying to save money,² Shields
said.
Effingham County, several organizations are banding together in an effort to
get these potentially deadly drugs off the street.
Secure drop boxes will be placed in several locations for drug disposal
within the next month as part of the P2D2 program. Effingham County Chief
Deputy John Loy said Monday that boxes will be placed on the first floor of
both the Effingham County Office Building and Effingham County Government
Center, the Illinois State Police District 12 headquarters in Effingham,
Altamont Municipal Building and Altamont Pharmacy.
Loy said the boxes can be put anywhere with either human or video
surveillance.
³We¹re still looking for locations to put them,² he said. ³The drugs will
be picked up by bonded couriers and then destroyed.²
Coroner Leigh Hammer said the program will hopefully lessen the incidence
of prescription drug abuse cases that, sadly, turn into fatalities.
³It¹s a big project,² said Hammer, who added that drugs can also be
dropped off at the Effingham County Health Department.
Hammer said there have been 12 to 15 deaths in the county resulting from
prescription drug abuse in the past three years. Prescription drug abuse
became more widely known in the area after a combination of aggressive
enforcement and legislative action dramatically reduced methamphetamine
abuse in rural Illinois.
The program is being facilitated by the Effingham County Youth Ambassador
program, an outgrowth of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program.
Several ambassadors appeared at Monday¹s County Board meeting.
³4-H isn¹t just about the animals,² said St. Anthony High School student
Jesse Haarmann.
Other ambassadors appearing at Monday¹s meeting included Abby Westendorf
of Teutopolis, Michael Goldstein of St. Anthony and Ethan Fitzwilliam of
Altamont. Westendorf thanked the board for its service to the county.
Hammer praised the group after the meeting for its work.
³I applaud them for stepping forward and taking leadership roles,² she
said.
The board took little action at Monday¹s brief meeting, though it did
hear from John Schuler of the Post Oak Flats Resource Conservation and
Development organization. Post Oak Flats is a federally-funded non-profit
organization with a multi-faceted mission.
Schuler told the board that one of the agency¹s primary missions in
recent years has been to stimulate entrepreneurship in its five-county
coverage area, which includes Effingham, Clay, Fayette, Jasper and Marion
counties. Post Oak Flats has assisted the Effingham County high school CEO
entrepreneurship class, for example.
In action taken Monday, the board voted 6-1 to buy an ad for the county
map distributed by the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Board vice chairman Bob Shields was the only person to vote against the ad,
while board members Rob Arnold and Jim Reeves were absent.
Shields said he didn¹t see how the money spent on the ad would
significantly help county taxpayers.
³It¹s not that maps are a bad thing, and I¹m not trying to criticize the
board members who voted for it, but I just don¹t see how the taxpayer
benefits from this at a time when we are trying to save money,² Shields
said.
Pontiac science teacher earns national award
PONTIAC — Pontiac Township High School science teacher Paul Ritter has earned top teaching honors from the National Science Teachers Association.
He was one of more than 100 teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade from across the nation nominated for the Sea World/Busch Gardens Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award, which was presented to him last month at a conference in San Francisco.
Ritter has received national attention for the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program that he and his students started in 2007. Also called P2D2, it has expanded into 16 states.
In his 13 years at Pontiac, Ritter has a long history of getting students involved in community projects in order to teach scientific principles.
“I truly believe excitement in the classroom is imperative. These kids want immediate feedback and instant reward. It’s the Nintendo and Facebook society, so we try to get them excited and out into the world quickly,” said Ritter.
PTHS Principal Jon Kilgore said Ritter will do just about anything to get students involved in the classroom, including picking up a guitar to lead classroom sing-alongs.
“The students are truly engaged in enjoyable learning activities such as changing the lyrics of songs to include science content,” said Kilgore. “He is constantly looking for creative means to teach environmentalism with the science curriculum.”
Several people were involved in getting Ritter nominated, but it wasn’t even one of his students who got the ball rolling on the effort. Jordyn Schara, a sophomore attending a high school in Wisconsin, contacted him two years ago about P2D2 and helped expand it into Wisconsin.
Spokesman Kate Falk of the National Science Teachers Association said nominees were scored on nine criteria, including project goals and accomplishments, positive impact on schools and their community, originality and creativity and the level of student participation. Finalists also were required to fill out a questionnaire.
He was one of more than 100 teachers in kindergarten through 12th grade from across the nation nominated for the Sea World/Busch Gardens Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award, which was presented to him last month at a conference in San Francisco.
Ritter has received national attention for the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program that he and his students started in 2007. Also called P2D2, it has expanded into 16 states.
In his 13 years at Pontiac, Ritter has a long history of getting students involved in community projects in order to teach scientific principles.
“I truly believe excitement in the classroom is imperative. These kids want immediate feedback and instant reward. It’s the Nintendo and Facebook society, so we try to get them excited and out into the world quickly,” said Ritter.
PTHS Principal Jon Kilgore said Ritter will do just about anything to get students involved in the classroom, including picking up a guitar to lead classroom sing-alongs.
“The students are truly engaged in enjoyable learning activities such as changing the lyrics of songs to include science content,” said Kilgore. “He is constantly looking for creative means to teach environmentalism with the science curriculum.”
Several people were involved in getting Ritter nominated, but it wasn’t even one of his students who got the ball rolling on the effort. Jordyn Schara, a sophomore attending a high school in Wisconsin, contacted him two years ago about P2D2 and helped expand it into Wisconsin.
Spokesman Kate Falk of the National Science Teachers Association said nominees were scored on nine criteria, including project goals and accomplishments, positive impact on schools and their community, originality and creativity and the level of student participation. Finalists also were required to fill out a questionnaire.
Local Teacher Gets Award
Top Science educators from around the Country were honored at the 2011 Teachers Awards Program in San Franciso, California.
The National Science Teachers Association or, NSTA, awarded top science educators from around the country at a ceremony earlier this month.
One of those teachers was Pontiac Township High Schools Science teacher, Paul Ritter. He is from Mendota, Illinois.
He received the Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award.
His most recognized project is the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program.
The program is to educate the public about the harm done to the environment because of drug disposal practices and to provide people with an alternative way of disposal, ensuring the quality of water for the future.
The NSTA is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning.
The National Science Teachers Association or, NSTA, awarded top science educators from around the country at a ceremony earlier this month.
One of those teachers was Pontiac Township High Schools Science teacher, Paul Ritter. He is from Mendota, Illinois.
He received the Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year Award.
His most recognized project is the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program.
The program is to educate the public about the harm done to the environment because of drug disposal practices and to provide people with an alternative way of disposal, ensuring the quality of water for the future.
The NSTA is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Conservation is key on second day of Clean Water Celebration
PATRICK OLDENDORF
Posted: 04/11/2011 10:43 PM
If the 2,000 or so students who left the Clean Water Celebration walked away learning only one thing, it was that water flows downhill.
That means the things that ruin water for people in Peoria can easily ruin water for people in St. Louis, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
"Water flows downhill, never uphill," said Denise Reed, a professor of geology and geophysics at the University of New Orleans, during a keynote address at the Peoria Civic Center. "Water always comes from you to us, never from us to you."
The theme of this year's Clean Water Celebration, put on annually by the Sun Foundation and its partners, was "From Our Gutters to the Gulf."
The Clean Water Celebration is a two-day event. The first day, which was Sunday this year, is on Peoria's waterfront. The second day brings school children from the Tri-County Area and beyond to the Civic Center for the keynote speakers and breakout sessions.
The message spread to the students was one of conservation, about taking care of their waterways for themselves and for neighbors to the south.
Paul Ritter's classes at Pontiac Township High School have been living that message for a few years. The students in those classes have designed receptacles for unused prescription drugs. They distribute them in municipalities across the states in hopes those unwanted prescription drugs will not be flushed down the toilet or carelessly discarded, causing them to wash into rivers and lakes.
"I've seen a lot of fish with six eyes or two heads," said Charles Spencer, a sophomore at Pontiac. "And a lot of people believe the reason is prescription drugs in the rivers."
The group has served as inspiration for a number of other drug recycling programs in the state, including Peoria County's.
The program also instills in the students a sense of urgency in protecting the area's waterways.
"It's really become part of the whole school," said Amber Brunskill, a senior who plans to stay involved in the movement after graduation.
The group, along with a few dozen others, ran a booth at the celebration, handing out literature and trying to encourage other students to get involved.
Patrick Oldendorf can be reached at 686-3194 or poldendorf@pjstar.com.
Posted: 04/11/2011 10:43 PM
If the 2,000 or so students who left the Clean Water Celebration walked away learning only one thing, it was that water flows downhill.
That means the things that ruin water for people in Peoria can easily ruin water for people in St. Louis, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
"Water flows downhill, never uphill," said Denise Reed, a professor of geology and geophysics at the University of New Orleans, during a keynote address at the Peoria Civic Center. "Water always comes from you to us, never from us to you."
The theme of this year's Clean Water Celebration, put on annually by the Sun Foundation and its partners, was "From Our Gutters to the Gulf."
The Clean Water Celebration is a two-day event. The first day, which was Sunday this year, is on Peoria's waterfront. The second day brings school children from the Tri-County Area and beyond to the Civic Center for the keynote speakers and breakout sessions.
The message spread to the students was one of conservation, about taking care of their waterways for themselves and for neighbors to the south.
Paul Ritter's classes at Pontiac Township High School have been living that message for a few years. The students in those classes have designed receptacles for unused prescription drugs. They distribute them in municipalities across the states in hopes those unwanted prescription drugs will not be flushed down the toilet or carelessly discarded, causing them to wash into rivers and lakes.
"I've seen a lot of fish with six eyes or two heads," said Charles Spencer, a sophomore at Pontiac. "And a lot of people believe the reason is prescription drugs in the rivers."
The group has served as inspiration for a number of other drug recycling programs in the state, including Peoria County's.
The program also instills in the students a sense of urgency in protecting the area's waterways.
"It's really become part of the whole school," said Amber Brunskill, a senior who plans to stay involved in the movement after graduation.
The group, along with a few dozen others, ran a booth at the celebration, handing out literature and trying to encourage other students to get involved.
Patrick Oldendorf can be reached at 686-3194 or poldendorf@pjstar.com.
Students Spur Legislation To Keep Drugs Out Of Waterways
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) – Whether you use prescription drugs properly or abuse them, a group of students is emphasizing that landfills and waterways are no place for the unused pills.
As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Dave Dahl reports, Paul Ritter, a science teacher at Pontiac High School downstate, told a state House committee that his students originally developed the P2D2 Program. P2D2 is short for “Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal.”
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Dave Dahl reports
“These are students who have put their hard work and effort and the blood, sweat and tears,” Ritter said. “You’ll also notice there’s a piece in there called the medicine chest. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant thought so much of these kids that they took their curriculum and presented it, and published it.”
Students from Antioch Community High School were also involved in creating the program.
HB 2506 would allow law enforcement personnel to collect prescription drugs from residential sources and burn them. It has already passed out of a state House Environmental Affairs Committee and is now going before the full state House.
It is meant as an alternative to flushing unused prescription drugs down the toilet, thus contaminating waterways and marine life.
As WBBM Newsradio 780’s Dave Dahl reports, Paul Ritter, a science teacher at Pontiac High School downstate, told a state House committee that his students originally developed the P2D2 Program. P2D2 is short for “Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal.”
LISTEN: Newsradio 780′s Dave Dahl reports
“These are students who have put their hard work and effort and the blood, sweat and tears,” Ritter said. “You’ll also notice there’s a piece in there called the medicine chest. The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant thought so much of these kids that they took their curriculum and presented it, and published it.”
Students from Antioch Community High School were also involved in creating the program.
HB 2506 would allow law enforcement personnel to collect prescription drugs from residential sources and burn them. It has already passed out of a state House Environmental Affairs Committee and is now going before the full state House.
It is meant as an alternative to flushing unused prescription drugs down the toilet, thus contaminating waterways and marine life.
Pontiac Students Showcase Growth of P2D2 Program
PEORIA - When the P2D2 prescription pill and drug disposal program started four years ago at Pontiac High School, few people could have foreseen its incredible growth into a national movement.
"We have Alaska. Hawaii is joining in and we have a couple other states, but it's grown pretty fast," says Pontiac senior Bethany Guelde. "It's pretty exciting."
As part of Peoria's Clean Water Celebration, students are continuing to help the growth of the P2D2 program by educating area students about the dangers of prescription medicine and our drinking water.
"Mostly just to get the word out so the kids can start their own program, if they like," says Pontiac senior Amber Brunskill. "Maybe make good decisions themselves."
The unique part of P2D2 is that the students are the ones who continually take the lead to move the program forward. Some students are even looking to take that sense of responsibility beyond high school.
"I've already talked to the college I'm going to in Michigan. I'm going to start a program up there because it has not yet been introduced into the community," Guelde says.
Students say the program is essential because even though two-thirds of the world lacks clean drinking water, we often take it for granted.
"It's just not something that goes through most people's minds, so when we say this is a huge deal and something needs to be done about it, most people are shocked by that," says Pontiac sophomore Charles Spencer.
But the dedication of these motivated students all but guarantees P2D2's success for years to come.
"I've learned so much and I love the program that I wish I wasn't a senior now and could keep going," says Brunskill.
In four years, P2D2 has expanded into 16 states, disposing over 135,000 pounds of medication and other drugs.
"We have Alaska. Hawaii is joining in and we have a couple other states, but it's grown pretty fast," says Pontiac senior Bethany Guelde. "It's pretty exciting."
As part of Peoria's Clean Water Celebration, students are continuing to help the growth of the P2D2 program by educating area students about the dangers of prescription medicine and our drinking water.
"Mostly just to get the word out so the kids can start their own program, if they like," says Pontiac senior Amber Brunskill. "Maybe make good decisions themselves."
The unique part of P2D2 is that the students are the ones who continually take the lead to move the program forward. Some students are even looking to take that sense of responsibility beyond high school.
"I've already talked to the college I'm going to in Michigan. I'm going to start a program up there because it has not yet been introduced into the community," Guelde says.
Students say the program is essential because even though two-thirds of the world lacks clean drinking water, we often take it for granted.
"It's just not something that goes through most people's minds, so when we say this is a huge deal and something needs to be done about it, most people are shocked by that," says Pontiac sophomore Charles Spencer.
But the dedication of these motivated students all but guarantees P2D2's success for years to come.
"I've learned so much and I love the program that I wish I wasn't a senior now and could keep going," says Brunskill.
In four years, P2D2 has expanded into 16 states, disposing over 135,000 pounds of medication and other drugs.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Team 10 Coalition and Illinois American Water Partner to Implement Pharmaceutical Disposal Program
e, Ill. (March 4, 2011) – Team 10 Coalition, an organization committed to drug-free, healthy living, has announced the implementation of four new pharmaceutical disposal programs in Caseyville, Collinsville, Fairmont City and Maryville. The new programs are a product of teamwork between Team 10 Coalition, Illinois State Police, local law enforcement and Illinois American Water. A kickoff event will be held at the Caseyville Village Hall located at 909 South Main Street in Caseyville, on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at 1:00 PM.
The pharmaceutical disposal programs, which will be located at Village Hall in Caseyville, and police departments in Collinsville, Fairmont City and Maryville, feature a secure disposal box for easy disposal of unwanted medications. Through collaboration with the local police chiefs in all four communities, medications collected will be properly disposed through incineration, preventing the flushing of medications into the water supply and helping to prevent misuse and abuse of medications.
The group hopes their work will help protect water resources and keep unwanted drugs out of children's hands. Caseyville Police Chief J.D. Roth said, “By promoting local disposal programs and practicing proper disposal of pharmaceuticals we are able to protect two very valuable resources, our children and our water.” He continued, “I commend this group for the efforts they are putting forth to make this happen.”
The disposal box, donated by Illinois American Water, will be installed this month and administered by the local police departments. “This program gives residents an alternative to flushing their medications, which can be harmful to our water sources,” said Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water. “By properly disposing of unwanted medications we are helping to protect our water supply for future generations.”
Team 10 Coalition Chairman, Gary Peccola, agrees. Stating, "Proper disposal of pharmaceuticals enables our communities to improve our environment and quality of life. This is what Team 10 strives to achieve through all of our programs.”
The pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Agency supported efforts nationally with the first-ever National Take Back Day in September of 2010. Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed. To learn more, please visit www.epa.state.il.us/medication-disposal.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately
15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.
###
PRESS RELEASEwww.amwater.com
The pharmaceutical disposal programs, which will be located at Village Hall in Caseyville, and police departments in Collinsville, Fairmont City and Maryville, feature a secure disposal box for easy disposal of unwanted medications. Through collaboration with the local police chiefs in all four communities, medications collected will be properly disposed through incineration, preventing the flushing of medications into the water supply and helping to prevent misuse and abuse of medications.
The group hopes their work will help protect water resources and keep unwanted drugs out of children's hands. Caseyville Police Chief J.D. Roth said, “By promoting local disposal programs and practicing proper disposal of pharmaceuticals we are able to protect two very valuable resources, our children and our water.” He continued, “I commend this group for the efforts they are putting forth to make this happen.”
The disposal box, donated by Illinois American Water, will be installed this month and administered by the local police departments. “This program gives residents an alternative to flushing their medications, which can be harmful to our water sources,” said Karla Olson Teasley, president of Illinois American Water. “By properly disposing of unwanted medications we are helping to protect our water supply for future generations.”
Team 10 Coalition Chairman, Gary Peccola, agrees. Stating, "Proper disposal of pharmaceuticals enables our communities to improve our environment and quality of life. This is what Team 10 strives to achieve through all of our programs.”
The pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Agency supported efforts nationally with the first-ever National Take Back Day in September of 2010. Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed. To learn more, please visit www.epa.state.il.us/medication-disposal.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately
15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.
###
PRESS RELEASEwww.amwater.com
Illinois American Water Partners with City of O’Fallon and O’Fallon Police Department to Implement Pharmaceutical Disposal Program
Belleville, Ill. (March 22, 2011) – Illinois American Water has partnered with the City of O’Fallon and the O’Fallon Police Department to implement a pharmaceutical disposal program in O’Fallon. Illinois American Water donated the pharmaceutical drop box, which will be installed with a kick off event at the O’Fallon Police Department, located at 285 North Seven Hills Road in O’Fallon on Thursday, April 6, 2010, at 2:00 PM.
Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted meds so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged.
“This program is a great opportunity for O’Fallon residents to stop by the Police Department and securely drop off any unused or expired medications,” said O’Fallon Mayor Gary Graham. “It’s important for us to keep these items out of our landfills and water supplies.”
The O’Fallon pharmaceutical disposal program is the 19th program supported through Illinois American Water’s initiatives. “Our goal is to establish a greatly expanded network of secure pharmaceutical collection centers throughout the state,” said Grant Evitts, operations manager for Illinois American Water’s Interurban District.
Through partnership and collaboration with local pharmacies, police departments and government officials, Illinois American Water has implemented and supported pharmaceutical disposal programs across the state including three drop-off locations in Peoria as well as sites in Alton, Bartonville, Belleville, Caseyville, Champaign, Chillicothe, Collinsville, Fairmont, Maryville, Pekin, Peoria Heights, Pontiac, Streator, Urbana and Waterloo.
- MORE -
The pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Agency supported efforts nationally with the first-ever National Take Back Day in September of 2010. Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed. To learn more, please visit www.epa.state.il.us/medication-disposal.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately
15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.
###
PRESS RELEASEwww.amwater.com
Residents are encouraged to drop off their unwanted meds so they can be incinerated, which is the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommended approach for pharmaceutical disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or the drain as well as throwing them in the trash are discouraged.
“This program is a great opportunity for O’Fallon residents to stop by the Police Department and securely drop off any unused or expired medications,” said O’Fallon Mayor Gary Graham. “It’s important for us to keep these items out of our landfills and water supplies.”
The O’Fallon pharmaceutical disposal program is the 19th program supported through Illinois American Water’s initiatives. “Our goal is to establish a greatly expanded network of secure pharmaceutical collection centers throughout the state,” said Grant Evitts, operations manager for Illinois American Water’s Interurban District.
Through partnership and collaboration with local pharmacies, police departments and government officials, Illinois American Water has implemented and supported pharmaceutical disposal programs across the state including three drop-off locations in Peoria as well as sites in Alton, Bartonville, Belleville, Caseyville, Champaign, Chillicothe, Collinsville, Fairmont, Maryville, Pekin, Peoria Heights, Pontiac, Streator, Urbana and Waterloo.
- MORE -
The pharmaceutical disposal programs were created through a model developed by Pontiac High School Township students and their teacher Paul Ritter. The program, P2D2, has been recognized by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources as a model for all pharmaceutical disposal programs. In addition, the Drug Enforcement Agency supported efforts nationally with the first-ever National Take Back Day in September of 2010. Through all of these efforts, thousands of pounds of unwanted medications have been properly disposed. To learn more, please visit www.epa.state.il.us/medication-disposal.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately
15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.
###
PRESS RELEASEwww.amwater.com
Illinois p2d2 students help establish the p2d2 bill hb2056.
By Kiera Manion-Fischer | kiera.manion-fischer@lee.net | Posted:Thursday, March 17, 2011 8:50 pm | (3) Comments
SPRINGFIELD — A proposal pending in the state legislature may make it easier for police departments to pay for a prescription drug disposal program that began in Pontiac.
The Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal program, or P2D2, was launched about four years ago by students at Pontiac Township High School and their teacher, Paul Ritter. The program has spread to other communities and states.
Students were concerned that prescription drugs disposed of improperly, usually down household drains, were polluting groundwater.
High school students in Antioch heard about the program and brought the idea to state Rep. JoAnn Osmond, who is sponsoring a measure that will allow for the safe disposal of prescription drugs at local police departments.
Law enforcement agencies statewide can recoup the cost of incinerating the drugs through a $20 court fee added to every drug arrest in Illinois.
“Each police department that participates would be able to get a grant to recoup,” said Osmond, an Antioch Republican. State Reps. Keith Sommer, R-Morton, and Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, who represent the Pontiac area, signed on as co-sponsors to the measure.
The legislation was sent to the full House for further debate Thursday. Twelve high school students from Pontiac watched the committee hearing and three students visited from Antioch.
“Today is the culmination of all the hard work and efforts of students across Illinois who are wanting to have proper pharmaceutical disposal, responsible disposal, for the state of Illinois in every county. And so, in order for that to happen, there has to be a source of funding to make that possible,” said Ritter.
Michael Hall, a junior at Antioch Community High School and environmental club member, testified before the committee. He said local law enforcement supported the program but were concerned about funding, and that was why the legislation was needed.
Hall said prescription drugs can easily reach waterways.
“When people found out their kids were abusing these drugs, they decided to get rid of them, and they did by flushing them down the drain. And what does is that releases the medications into our water system,” Hall said.
The legislation is House Bill 2056.
SPRINGFIELD — A proposal pending in the state legislature may make it easier for police departments to pay for a prescription drug disposal program that began in Pontiac.
The Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal program, or P2D2, was launched about four years ago by students at Pontiac Township High School and their teacher, Paul Ritter. The program has spread to other communities and states.
Students were concerned that prescription drugs disposed of improperly, usually down household drains, were polluting groundwater.
High school students in Antioch heard about the program and brought the idea to state Rep. JoAnn Osmond, who is sponsoring a measure that will allow for the safe disposal of prescription drugs at local police departments.
Law enforcement agencies statewide can recoup the cost of incinerating the drugs through a $20 court fee added to every drug arrest in Illinois.
“Each police department that participates would be able to get a grant to recoup,” said Osmond, an Antioch Republican. State Reps. Keith Sommer, R-Morton, and Jason Barickman, R-Champaign, who represent the Pontiac area, signed on as co-sponsors to the measure.
The legislation was sent to the full House for further debate Thursday. Twelve high school students from Pontiac watched the committee hearing and three students visited from Antioch.
“Today is the culmination of all the hard work and efforts of students across Illinois who are wanting to have proper pharmaceutical disposal, responsible disposal, for the state of Illinois in every county. And so, in order for that to happen, there has to be a source of funding to make that possible,” said Ritter.
Michael Hall, a junior at Antioch Community High School and environmental club member, testified before the committee. He said local law enforcement supported the program but were concerned about funding, and that was why the legislation was needed.
Hall said prescription drugs can easily reach waterways.
“When people found out their kids were abusing these drugs, they decided to get rid of them, and they did by flushing them down the drain. And what does is that releases the medications into our water system,” Hall said.
The legislation is House Bill 2056.
Effingham, Illinois 4h group put in Effingham p2d2
March 22, 2011
Cracking down on drug abuse
Drop boxes to be placed in several locations for prescription drug disposal
Bill Grimes
Effingham Daily News
EFFINGHAM — With prescription drug abuse becoming an increasingly lethal issue in Effingham County, several organizations are banding together in an effort to get these potentially deadly drugs off the street.
Secure drop boxes will be placed in several locations for drug disposal within the next month as part of the P2D2 program. Effingham County Chief Deputy John Loy said Monday that boxes will be placed on the first floor of both the Effingham County Office Building and Effingham County Government Center, the Illinois State Police District 12 headquarters in Effingham, Altamont Municipal Building and Altamont Pharmacy.
Loy said the boxes can be put anywhere with either human or video surveillance.
“We’re still looking for locations to put them,” he said. “The drugs will be picked up by bonded couriers and then destroyed.”
Coroner Leigh Hammer said the program will hopefully lessen the incidence of prescription drug abuse cases that, sadly, turn into fatalities.
“It’s a big project,” said Hammer, who added that drugs can also be dropped off at the Effingham County Health Department.
Hammer said there have been 12 to 15 deaths in the county resulting from prescription drug abuse in the past three years. Prescription drug abuse became more widely known in the area after a combination of aggressive enforcement and legislative action dramatically reduced methamphetamine abuse in rural Illinois.
The program is being facilitated by the Effingham County Youth Ambassador program, an outgrowth of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program. Several ambassadors appeared at Monday’s County Board meeting.
“4-H isn’t just about the animals,” said St. Anthony High School student Jesse Haarmann.
Other ambassadors appearing at Monday’s meeting included Abby Westendorf of Teutopolis, Michael Goldstein of St. Anthony and Ethan Fitzwilliam of Altamont. Westendorf thanked the board for its service to the county.
Hammer praised the group after the meeting for its work.
“I applaud them for stepping forward and taking leadership roles,” she said.
Cracking down on drug abuse
Drop boxes to be placed in several locations for prescription drug disposal
Bill Grimes
Effingham Daily News
EFFINGHAM — With prescription drug abuse becoming an increasingly lethal issue in Effingham County, several organizations are banding together in an effort to get these potentially deadly drugs off the street.
Secure drop boxes will be placed in several locations for drug disposal within the next month as part of the P2D2 program. Effingham County Chief Deputy John Loy said Monday that boxes will be placed on the first floor of both the Effingham County Office Building and Effingham County Government Center, the Illinois State Police District 12 headquarters in Effingham, Altamont Municipal Building and Altamont Pharmacy.
Loy said the boxes can be put anywhere with either human or video surveillance.
“We’re still looking for locations to put them,” he said. “The drugs will be picked up by bonded couriers and then destroyed.”
Coroner Leigh Hammer said the program will hopefully lessen the incidence of prescription drug abuse cases that, sadly, turn into fatalities.
“It’s a big project,” said Hammer, who added that drugs can also be dropped off at the Effingham County Health Department.
Hammer said there have been 12 to 15 deaths in the county resulting from prescription drug abuse in the past three years. Prescription drug abuse became more widely known in the area after a combination of aggressive enforcement and legislative action dramatically reduced methamphetamine abuse in rural Illinois.
The program is being facilitated by the Effingham County Youth Ambassador program, an outgrowth of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H program. Several ambassadors appeared at Monday’s County Board meeting.
“4-H isn’t just about the animals,” said St. Anthony High School student Jesse Haarmann.
Other ambassadors appearing at Monday’s meeting included Abby Westendorf of Teutopolis, Michael Goldstein of St. Anthony and Ethan Fitzwilliam of Altamont. Westendorf thanked the board for its service to the county.
Hammer praised the group after the meeting for its work.
“I applaud them for stepping forward and taking leadership roles,” she said.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
North Freedom teen wins national award
Jordyn Schara of North Freedom, the teenage founder of Foundation for HOPE (Helping Our Peers Excel), Project READ (Reading Equipment for America's Defenders), C4C (Comics for Change), and WI P2D2 (Wisconsin Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal), recently was presented with a national award in New York City.
Schara received the National Child Labor Committee 2011 Lewis Hine Award on Jan. 31 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The NCLC presented the 25th annual Lewis Hine Awards for Service to Children and Youth to professionals and volunteers who devote extraordinary amounts of time and energy helping protect the rights and well-being of children and youth, according to the group.
She was one of 10 people honored.
The award is named for the acclaimed photographer who documented early 20th century exploitation of child labor. Winners are selected by a panel of distinguished judges from nominations submitted by elected officials and community leaders.
In the 1980s, to honor Hine's work, the NCLC created an award in his name. Over the past two decades, more than 200 people have received the Lewis Hine Awards.
Each award honoree receives $1,000 and a trip to the awards ceremony in New York City accompanied by a guest.
For more information on the Lewis Hine Awards, visit www.nationalchildlabor.org.
Schara received the National Child Labor Committee 2011 Lewis Hine Award on Jan. 31 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.
The NCLC presented the 25th annual Lewis Hine Awards for Service to Children and Youth to professionals and volunteers who devote extraordinary amounts of time and energy helping protect the rights and well-being of children and youth, according to the group.
She was one of 10 people honored.
The award is named for the acclaimed photographer who documented early 20th century exploitation of child labor. Winners are selected by a panel of distinguished judges from nominations submitted by elected officials and community leaders.
In the 1980s, to honor Hine's work, the NCLC created an award in his name. Over the past two decades, more than 200 people have received the Lewis Hine Awards.
Each award honoree receives $1,000 and a trip to the awards ceremony in New York City accompanied by a guest.
For more information on the Lewis Hine Awards, visit www.nationalchildlabor.org.
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