HomeCommentaryLetter do the editor: A huge missed opportunity

Letter do the editor: A huge missed opportunity

By Masha H.

In response to: Florence families invited to turn in old medications during anonymous DEA take-back day on April 25

Letter:

I saw the notice about the DEA Take Back Day on April 25 at the Walmart on North Beltline, put on by the Florence Police Department. It’s a good idea — anonymous, free, and an easy way to get rid of old prescription meds that nobody needs anymore.

I’ve gone twice myself over the years. Both times it was pretty much empty. Hardly anybody there. That’s a shame. This happens a couple times a year, and it’s one of those simple things that actually helps keep pills out of the wrong hands — whether it’s kids getting into cabinets, someone misusing them, or just keeping expired stuff from piling up.

From where I sit, it feels like a huge missed opportunity. A lot of folks probably have old bottles sitting around they don’t know what to do with. Instead of flushing them or tossing them in the trash, here’s a safe, no-questions-asked spot right in town. Yet most people don’t seem to know about it or bother to use it.

I don’t know why turnout stays so low when the police keep offering it. Maybe more folks just need to hear about it. Either way, it’s too bad. Something this straightforward and helpful shouldn’t be sitting there with almost nobody showing up.

Thanks

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