Sheriff installs prescription drug collection box

A new steel lock box designated for the collection of unused prescription medicine was installed on Monday, March 12 in the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department.

The box was purchased for $500 by the Eastern West Virginia Community Founda-tion and B.O.L.D. (a local drug prevention organization). It will stand at the Sheriffs’ Office for the purpose of collecting unused prescription medications from Morgan County citizens. 

“These unused medications often  find their way into the hands of our youth, or are stolen. They  are also flushed down toilets where, over time, they can cause problems in our water supply,” said Shambaugh.

The lock box is an extension of the “Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinets” which was started by the Morgan County Partnership three years ago.

Completed twice yearly, this successful program has acted as a pilot program for other counties nationwide. 

The Sheriffs’ Office works closely with the collection effort, which has taken in tens of thousands of dollars worth of dangerous prescription medications.

As with the collection program, any drugs put into the collection lock box will be picked up the Drug Enforce-ment Agency (DEA) and destroyed.

“The lockbox adds convenience by giving them a safe place to get rid of medications, and it is a valuable tool to keep these drugs out of the wrong hands,” said Shambaugh.

The box is located in the waiting room of the Sheriffs’ Office and the public is encouraged to drop off unused prescription medicines during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.