Quinn signs P2D2 law

Pontiac Township High School science and ecology teacher Paul Ritter stands holding copies of a law he and his students helped initiate, dealing with safely disposing of unneeded prescription medications. Illinois American Water Company supports the program, as it keeps these drugs from the water supply. There are several disposal containers around town. Most are marked with the cartoon on the poster a student is holding at left at the bill signing ceremony Wednesday in Chicago. Gov. Pat Quinn is behind Ritter. Pontiac, Ill. — On Wednesday Governor Pat Quinn in Chicago signed a bill which creates a pharmaceutical collection and disposal program to ensure safe disposal of extra prescription medication. It was through the initiatives of students from both Antioch High School and Pontiac Township High School who helped develop the P2D2 Bill HB 2056 that Quinn signed. Students from these high schools along with ecology teacher Paul Ritter and Megan Bozarth, governmental teacher, attended the signing. “The students discovered there was no program for disposing of prescription drugs or medicines and developed P2D2 which stands for Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal,” said Ritter. Ritter said there were people from several other states at the bill signing because they are interested in creating the programs in their states. He said there are also seven other states that are already in various stages of having the program. “These kids and their program have inspired a nation,” Ritter said Friday afternoon. He explained that the program is a collaborative effort between communities. Local pharmacies, police departments, hospitals, city officials, students and more. “The purpose of the program is to educate the public about the harm done to the environment, and the misuse and abuse of pharmaceuticals due to the current prescription and-prescription drug disposal practices worldwide. The mission of of this program is to provide communities with a proper method of disposal as well as it ensures the quality of our water and wildlife for future generations,” Ritter said. Students attending the trip included Baylee Ritter, Taylor Ritter, Hannah Dunlap, Vince Dunlap, Charles Spencer, Luke Bartosik, Debi Johnson, Nora McCune and Tiffany Patterson. Recent PTHS grads attending the trip were Amber Brunskill and Beth Guelde.