PICKENS COUNTY — Law enforcement agencies within Pickens County hosted a “Pill Take- Back” day at three local drop-off sites on April 29 and the general public was encouraged to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, unused and unwanted prescription drugs by turning them over to law enforcement officials for proper disposal.

The volume of drugs collected during this initiative exceeded all previous events from years past in Pickens County. A total of 455 pounds of various prescription drugs and over the counter medications were turned in at the drop-off sites or collected from the Coroner’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office.

“Obviously, the program works and to see results like these tells us that the people in Pickens County care about their environment,” Sheriff Rick Clark said. “Through the partnerships that we have with other law enforcement agencies coupled with the commitment from our health care providers, we will continue to make a positive impact on our water and sewer systems by diverting these drugs away from our community. More importantly, with each collected pill, we reduce the chance that dangerous drugs fall needlessly into the hands of our children.”

Results from 2013 to 2017:

April 2017 — 455 pounds

October 2016 — 140 pounds

April 2016 — 235 pounds

September 2015 — 175 pounds

April 2015 — 390 pounds

September 2014 — 118 pounds

April 2014 — 298 pounds

October 2013 — 345 pounds

April 2013 — 147 pounds

These were some of the unused and unwanted prescription drugs that were collected last Saturday by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_pcsopilltakebacko2.jpgThese were some of the unused and unwanted prescription drugs that were collected last Saturday by the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy photos

A total of 455 pounds of various prescription drugs and over the counter medications were turned in at the drop-off sites or collected from the Coroner’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_pcsopilltakeback01.jpgA total of 455 pounds of various prescription drugs and over the counter medications were turned in at the drop-off sites or collected from the Coroner’s Office or the Sheriff’s Office. Courtesy photos

Staff Report