Few takers at drug take-back

Odessa's first prescription drug take-back program January 3 at the Town Marshal's office, was less than overwhelming. By the end of the 6-hour session, only 3 to 4 people had turned in unused or expired drugs.

Marhsal Mike Wren, Deputy Marshal Bryce Peterson, Washington State University pharmacy student Natasha Heimbigner and Central Washington University student Travis Iksic were all on hand to greet residents and provide secure disposal of unused prescription drugs.

The take-back program was coordinated by Heimbigner with support from Peterson and Odessa Drug owner and pharmacist Ted Bruya. "They were helpful and supportive," said Heimbigner. Besides working with locals, Heimbigner also obtained materials and non-naroctic drug incineration free of charge from WSU.

"This (drug take-back) is the big up and coming thing that pharmacy wants to support," said Heimbigner. She added that the area's recent escalation in burglaries just added to her resolve to set the program up.

According to Heimbigner, prescription drug abuse is on the rise, especially among youth, and it has passed drunk driving as cause of death.

Prescription drug abuse includes taking a medication without a prescription, taking a medication for any reason other than that for which it was prescribed, taking it for an effect other than its originally intended use.

Many people may not be aware that even saving a prescription that has not been completely used is considered to be abuse.

Another side effect of prescription drug abuse is on the rise in crime generally associated with drug addiction. Many prescription drugs can and do cause dependence, which in turn can lead to burglaries and even daylight robberies, as have been reported recently both on television and in The Record.

Pharmacies are not the only ones at risk of becoming a crime statistic. The elderly can be vulnerable, especially if it is known that they or a recently deceased spouse might have been using one of the prescription drugs currently in demand.

Heimbigner says that she would like to schedule more take-backs on a regular basis, perhaps in conjunction with one or more of Odessa's annual events.

Peterson added that the marshal's office will be able to accept unused prescriptions anytime, once they have received official certification from the DEA. He added that more information will be forthcoming.