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.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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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