BATTLE MOUNTAIN - Lander County's Prescription Drug Take-Back Program, held April 27, yielded 28 pounds of unwanted medications and two pounds of sharps.
Clay Mills, of Mills Pharmacy, estimates that weight translates to approximately 28,000 tablets.
This initiative was the first event of its kind in Lander County.
Lander County Undersheriff Robert Quick said he felt the event was an "absolute success."
Medications from the Austin and Battle Mountain collection sites were turned over to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Battle Mountain General Hospital disposed of the sharps that were collected.
The Take-Back Program is an effort to prevent prescription drug abuse and to keep trace drugs out of the Lander County environment.
"Proper disposal reduces the risk of unintentional use or overdose in children, pets or anyone else, making our community a healthier place to live," said Brenda Keller, Lander County community health nurse.
The event was a great example of collaboration in the Lander County Community, organizers said. The Frontier Community Coalition, Jacob's Well Youth Center, the Lander County Sheriff's Office, the Lander County Youth Team, Battle Mountain General Hospital, Lander County Ambulance Service, Mills Pharmacy, the Lander County Safety Committee, the Nevada Highway Patrol and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) contributed time and resources to the overall success of this event.
There will be another opportunity for residents to clean out their medicine cabinets later in the year.
The annual Lander County Health Fair is planned for Saturday, Sept. 28, and will give those residents who were unable to participate in the April 27 Take-Back Program a proper outlet to dispose of their unused or expired medications, non-prescription (over the counter) and pet medications in pill, liquid or cream form.
Anyone with questions can contact Brenda Keller at Lander County Community Health at (775) 635-2386.
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