Drug disposal program sees overwhelming response

Bill GrimesEffingham Daily News EFFINGHAM — There’s been no shortage of public response to the P2D2 prescription drug disposal program. Friday, 4-H members from the Effingham County Youth Ambassadors Program displayed drugs that have been dropped off in the little more than a month since drop boxes were installed in four locations. The program was set up in an effort to encourage proper disposal of unused prescriptions. “We wanted to provide a service in our community and this seemed like a cool idea,” said youth ambassador Mary Perkins. “I think it’s really awesome that this many people are interested.” The drop boxes — which resemble old mailboxes — were placed in the Effingham County Government Center, Effingham County Office Building, Andes HealthMart Pharmacy and Altamont Pharmacy around June 1. Effingham County Chief Deputy John Loy said he couldn’t even guess the street value of the collected drugs without sorting them out. The program was initiated as a result of concerns that old drugs were being flushed into the water supply. Perkins said the drugs will be incinerated and used as an alternative energy source. While the drugs displayed Friday were legal prescription and over-the-counter medications, Loy said those wishing to dispose of illegal street drugs could also use the boxes with “no questions asked.” Patti Logan, 4-H Community Coordinator for University of Illinois Extension, said the boxes will be a permanent fixture in the community. In fact, the organization hopes to find homes for two more drop boxes. “This is just the beginning,” Logan said. “This program could go on forever.” Boxes are also located at the Teutopolis Village Hall and Altamont Municipal Building. Loy said it’s unreasonable to think that all prescription drug users are taking the time to use the boxes as a disposal site. “This just gives you an idea of what’s out there,” he said. “This is just a drop in the bucket.” Loy said those who use the drop boxes should mark out the name on the prescription. More importantly, he said, the drugs should be in their original container for identification purposes. “If they are not, we have to figure out what they are and that is very labor-intensive,” he said. Bill Grimes can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 132 bill.grimes@effinghamdailynews.com.