Northland Prescription Drug “Take Back” Events Successful

Despite periods of torrential rain, the Northland Coalition reports that their June 12 “Take Back” Prescription Drug events were successful.

Volunteers for the Northland Coalition representing Clay, Platte and Ray counties, with the support of Tri-County Mental Health Services, participated with representatives from local law enforcement and social service agencies in the statewide program coordinated by Missouri’s Association of Community Task Forces (ACT MO) to staff disposal locations hosted by Walgreen’s.

The event addressed the serious issues and concerns regarding misuse of prescription drugs by young people and adults, as well as often improper and unsafe disposal of the drugs.

From nine to noon, the volunteers staffed the Walgreen location disposal centers at Kansas City locations of 401 NE Barry Road, Kansas City, Mo., and 2630 NE Vivion Road and 1718 West Jesse James Road in Excelsior Springs. In all, the group collected 281 prescriptions – a total of 11,067 pills – for safe disposal.

According to recent professional surveys and studies completed in 2009, fifty-six percent of teens in grades nine through 12 believe prescription drugs are easier to get than illegal drugs. (Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, 2009)

To find out more about prescription drug misuse contact Tri-County Mental Health Services Prevention Manager Vicky Ward at (816) 468-0400.