Michelle Hennessy – News Writer
National Drug Take Back Day comes to Southern for the first time since the DEA launched it six years ago, according to earth and science Professor Rumrill.
The event was designed to get people to hand over unused prescription drugs to try and lower the social and environmental implications of not discarding of them properly, according to Professor Rumrill.
“The reason the DEA started this to begin with – their main focus – was addiction problems. Crime rates due to the medication falling into the wrong hands,” said Rumrill. “But the environmental aspect of it is what we’re trying to tag onto that message as well.”
The U.S. Geological Survey found Organic Wastewater Contaminants were prevalent in 80 percent of the 139 streams tested in America, stemming from prescription drugs not being properly disposed of.
Rumrill explained when drugs are flushed down the toilet, they become damaging to the environment.
“Some of these pharmaceuticals are what we call estrogen mimicking compounds,” said Rumrill. “So when they get into the environment they can effect hormone levels in aquatic species and cause changes in those species.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, now in its sixth consecutive year, has collected more than two million pounds of prescription medication, according to professor Rumrill.
The event at SCSU has been extended to a week due to high demand from people who could not make it on one particular day, according to Professor Rumrill. She said a container will be placed by university police where people can discard unwanted prescription medication knowing it will be safely disposed of after the event.
Professor Rumrill said the idea to bring the campaign to Southern escalated from her freshman inquiry class.
“The original idea was actually just borne out of wanting to give the students insight into an important issue,” said Rumrill. “We’re still unsure about all the effects that will play out. Medication is always becoming more prevalent, addiction is definitely becoming more common.”
Marc Lermen, an information systems senior said he had heard about the environmental implications that occur from it, but said more should be done around campus to raise awareness for the problem.
“I think it would be a good idea to have a container not just for the week, but permanently on campus,” said Lermen. “That way people can throw away their prescription drugs properly. I think there’s maybe more information about it off campus so it’s good to see that the school is doing something now.”
English senior Marian Segarra said though she is aware of the container, more could have been done to promote the campaign around campus.
“I think I’ve seen the container actually,” said Segarra. “But I think more should be done to educate people about it and raise awareness, I don’t think there was a lot of advertising for it I just saw it because I was there anyway.”
University Police worked in collaboration with Professor Rumrill to help bring the event to campus, according to Rumrill.
Chief of University Police, Joseph Dooley, said he hopes the event will help minimize some of the environmental issues, but also social issues associated with prescription drugs.
“There can be issues with crime too,” said Dooley. “Someone might have prescription drugs in their home and then someone can have a substance abuse problem and might be tempted to use them. So taking away the opportunity for people to get them is a step in the right direction.”
“I think it’s an excellent idea,” said Dooley, “and we’re very happy to be a part of it.”
