Community prevention coalitions and law enforcement agencies in Southwest Washington are working together to host drive-thru drug take-back events at multiple locations in Clark County on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Community members are encouraged to bring their unused and expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for safe, free disposal to any one of the following event sites:
PeaceHealth Southwest Urgent Care – 33rd and Main (south back lot), Vancouver
Kaiser Permanente Cascade Park – 12607 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver
Battle Ground Police Department – 507 SW 1st St., Battle Ground
Washougal Silver Star Search and Rescue – 1220 A St., Washougal
Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Dept. – 31501 NW 31st Ave., Ridgefield
All sites will follow appropriate COVID-19 safety guidelines, with participants utilizing the in-vehicle drive-thru process to ensure safety.
Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, Community Prevention Specialist with the Prevent Coalition and ESD 112, said take-back events are meant to promote safe medication disposal and reduce opioid and prescription misuse.
“We continue to have an opioid epidemic across the region that is being compounded by the pandemic with added stress, uncertainty, and isolation,” she said. “75 percent of opioid misuse starts with people using medication that wasn’t prescribed for them – usually taken from a friend or family member. Simple steps, like properly disposing of medications, can help prevent that misuse.”
All prescription and over-the-counter medications including pills, liquids, and inhalers will be accepted at any of the drive-thru disposal events. Medications not in original containers will also be accepted. Community-based medicine take-back events and disposal sites are the only safe way to dispose of medication. Never flush or throw medicine in the trash, it pollutes the environment and our waterways.
Please note that the Peacehealth Southwest Urgent Care site is the only location accepting sharps and syringes (noncommercial sources only). Additionally, all event sites except the Cowlitz Indian Tribal Public Safety Dept. will collect vape pens and e-cigarettes without batteries for disposal.
Medicine take-back events in Southwest Washington are funded in partnership by Washington State Health Care Authority. For more info about the event or free year-round medication disposal sites, visit Prevent Coalition online.
ABOUT PREVENT COALITION:
Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Prevent Coalition is a community coalition formed in 2003 to increase collaboration, awareness, and reduce youth substance use in Southwest Washington. Prevent also implements initiatives for rural communities across Washington state. As a community mobilizer, we’re creating a culture promoting healthy choices; advocating for policies and regulations that protect, empower and nurture youth; and facilitating positive opportunities for youth to be involved and thrive.
