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Franklin County Being Proactive

Members of the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program are shown here with large amounts of unwanted medication that will no longer be on the streets or get into Franklin County's water.

Pictured here from left to right are Tabatha Curtis, Chris Guess, George Dyer,

Commissioner Scottie Riddle and Mike Bell.

Program Eliminates Unwanted Pills

By Ian Skotte

   Staff Writer

   The Franklin County Prevention Coalition has been routinely notifying the public of prescription pill and drug disposal areas throughout the county. Last week, members of the coalition got together to destroy the unwanted medications.

   According to Coordinator Tabatha Curtis, the Prescription Pill and Drug Disposal Program is a collaborative effort between local police departments, the Franklin County Prevention Coalition, the Franklin County Health Council, Winchester Utilities and Duck River Membership Corporation.        “The purpose is to educate the public about the harm done to the environment and community due to the current prescription and non-prescription drug disposal practices and to provide them with an alternative way of disposal   that ensures the quality of our water and control of prescription drugs on our streets for future generations,” Curtis stated in a press release.   plants and get into drinking water as well as making themselves readily available on the streets.

   Curtis added that the program is important because many pharmaceuticals get past wastewater treatment

   “This process of disposal will help to ensure safer drinking water and prevent prescription drug trafŠ cking in our streets for future generations,” Curtis said.