MCSO collects hundreds of unneeded medications for disposal at Drug Take Back event Friday

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County is joining a national push by the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispose of unneeded medications safely, responsibly, and conveniently.

MCSO hosted a drug take-back event at the Wilson Park Senior Center on Friday, Oct. 20.

The annual events are a way to make sure unused or expired medications won't end up in the wrong hands.

"We try to bring awareness to the community and try to get them to realize that, hey, if you don't need it, just give it back to us and we'll safely take it to somewhere where it can be properly handled and destroyed," said Deputy Kristine Rodriguez.

Friday's event was the fourth drug take-back hosted by the sheriff's office this year.

Rodriguez says demand has been high.

"We have tons of boxes back at the sheriff's office," Rodriguez said. "We'll probably have about 300 lbs. by the end of the day full of prescription drugs that we've taken back."

The setup at the senior center was orchestrated to bring safe drug disposal directly to Milwaukee's older residents.

"We like to make it really convenient for them to access resources," said Shannon Downie, manager of the Wilson Park Senior Center.

There will be opportunities to drop off unused medications in Milwaukee County next week, as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 28.

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