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Spring Cleaning That Saves Lives

It's a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet. On Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M., the Drug Enforcement Administration will hold its annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Michelle O'Neill reports in the Quad Cities, expired or un-used pills and patches may be dropped off at the Rock Island County Sheriff's garage, and Silvis and Milan police departments.
Assistant US Attorney Patrick Reinert, from the Northern District of Iowa, says the proper disposal of left over prescription drugs helps families and the community. It protects family members from accidental poisoning and drug abuse, protects the environment, and prevents them from being stolen. "Last year, the DEA collected about 4 tons, and it's estimated about 10% are opioids. That's a lot of opioids we've taken out of our communities."  

In recent years, Reinert says prescription pain killers have become more accessible. And when addicts can't get them from a doctor or at home, they buy very dangerous versions on the street. "It's an additional challenge along with the methamphetamine crisis. The opioid epidemic has led to a lot more heroin overdoses."

Saturday's Prescription Drug Take Back Day is free with no questions asked. Officers will accept pills and patches but not needles, medical sharps, and liquids.

For Illinois Quad Cities residents, signs will be posted on 3rd Avenue and 13th Street near the Rock Island County Justice Center. Drivers should follow them to the garage behind the jail, where they can drive through and drop off their medications. The Silvis and Milan police departments will also participate. Those collections will run from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday. In Iowa, some police departments and pharmacies take prescription drugs whenever they're open, such as a bin in the lobby of the Bettendorf police station.

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Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.