By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — A new drop box has been placed in the Trussville Police Department lobby to help keep dangerous prescription drugs off the streets.
The Medication Disposal Drop Box will be available for citizens to drop off expired or unused medications. According to Blue Cross, almost 40% of people who are addicted to opioids didn’t have a prescription for themselves in more than four months. This means that most of them were getting their pills from someone they knew who had unused prescription drugs. Police Chief Eric Rush said it is essential for individuals to be responsible when it comes to their own medications.
“It’s not good to keep old narcotics or old controlled medications around,” said Rush. “They can fall into the wrong hands.”
Rush said when loved ones do get their hands on those old medications, family members are unknowingly fueling their addiction and the opioid crisis.
“Not only can these drugs get into the hands of kids, but if you have family that has a drug issue, you are opening up the possibility that they can get ahold of these drugs,” Rush added. “So, you need to get rid of those if you are not going to use them.”
The department participates in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year, but this box will be available year-round for those who are unable to make it to those events. Citizens can access the box Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The box has been securely bolted into the floor of the lobby and is monitored by surveillance cameras. Illegal recreational drugs, liquid medications and syringes are not accepted.
The police department will destroy all eligible medications placed in the drop box, with no questions asked.