Over 760 Clark and Klickitat county residents safely disposed of 2,574 pounds of unused medications and syringes during a multi-site drug take-back event on Saturday, October 26th.

The medication disposal event was organized by a coalition of local prevention groups, law enforcement, clinics, pharmacies, and volunteers. Collection sites were hosted by PeaceHealth, Walgreens, and police departments across the region.

“It’s inspiring to see the community come together to dispose of medicines properly,” said Kelley Groen-Sieckmann, coordinator with Central Vancouver Coalition. “This keeps dangerous substances out of the environment and protects families from accidental poisonings or misuse that can lead to addiction.”

All collected medications were securely transported and incinerated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

The Impact:

  • 2,574 pounds of unused medications and syringes collected
  • 760+ community members participated
  • 6 convenient drop-off locations across 2 counties
  • Prevents environmental contamination and accidental poisonings

Since 2010, drug take-back events in Southwest Washington have collected over 62,000 pounds of medications – the equivalent weight of seven elephants!

These twice-yearly events are organized by prevention coalitions, law enforcement, and the Washington State Health Care Authority. Can’t make it to the next event? Year-round disposal options are available at www.medtakebackwashington.org.

ABOUT CENTRAL VANCOUVER COALITION:

Supported by the fiscal agent ESD 112, Central Vancouver Coalition was founded in 2018 to build a healthier Central Vancouver community and is a part of the Washington State Health Care Authority, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery’s Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative. The Coalition seeks to reduce and prevent youth substance use by building an inclusive, resilient, connected community through awareness, education, and collaboration. Members of the Coalition include representatives from Vancouver Public Schools, Vancouver Police Department, Clark County Public Health, chemical dependency professionals, youth, mental health professionals, parents, non-profits, youth serving organizations, the business sector, faith communities, and more. To get involved or to learn more, go to www.centralvancoalition.org.