Drug Take Back Day gathers piles of pills

On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wahkiakum Community Network participated in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The event was well received – volunteers received positive feedback from community members who came out to use the stations, using the opportunity to clean out their cabinets and safely get rid of unwanted or unneeded medications. They really appreciated the service offered by Wahkiakum Community Network and Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office.

To make this event successful, Wahkiakum Community Network Chair Tammy Peterson volunteered along side Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Nathan McBride and Reserve Deputy Alan McComas at the Cathlamet Pharmacy site, and Wahkiakum Community Network Executive Director Lia Sealund and board member Keith Reitz volunteered with Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Howell and Reserve Deputy Kevin Maki with some help from local drug dog Dakota at the Rosburg site.

In addition to collecting the unused prescription medication, Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office received a surprise donation of $500 for Dakota, sitting proudly with our team this Saturday at Johnson Park.

When weighing in the collection of medications gathered at the event, Sheriff Jon Dearmore commented, “I just wanted to thank everyone that played a part in the Wahkiakum County Operation. Between the two sites we collected approximately 27 pounds of prescription drugs. According to our Drug Enforcement Administration contact person, we did well for a small county and for doing it our first time. It was well worth the work we all put into it. Thank you for the vision and everyone’s commitment and concern to make Wahkiakum County safer.”

This event was made possible through a partnership with the DEA, Wahkiakum Community Network and Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Office. All medications gathered will be delivered to the DEA, who will safely dispose of the medication to keep it out of the waterways and unintended hands. Look for this event again next year.