Submitted by Lopez Isladn Prevention Coalition

A U.S. Geological Survey study found traces of prescription medicines in water samples from 30 states. Flushed and thrown-away meds make their way into the soil and water. Finding these chemicals in the water supply is raising worrisome questions about potential health and their environmental effects.

Sadly, unused prescription drugs too often find their way into the wrong hands. In fact, data shows that 33 percent or more of kids access prescription drugs that were not prescribed to them. This is dangerous and often ends in tragedy. This is also one reason why putting drugs in the garbage is not the best option. They can be easily recovered by the wrong hands and even unsuspecting, scavenging animals.

So what is the best way to dispose of these medications? The Disposal Act, which came about in 2014, allows people to deliver unused pharmaceutical controlled substances to appropriate entities for disposal in a convenient, safe and effective manner. For the people of Lopez Island, that way is bringing unwanted, unused or expired medications to an annual “Take-Back Event.”

Dispose of unused and unwanted medications between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25. If you miss the take-back event, a collection box is always available behind the fire station by the sheriff’s office door — it looks like a big brown mailbox. Keep island children safe, the environment clean and dispose of drugs responsibly.