'Drug take back day' brings in 80 pounds medications and donation for a new D.A.R.E. grill

 

[October 10, 2018] 

LINCOLN 

On Saturday, September 29th, the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln D.A.R.E. program and the ALMH Community Health Collaborative Opioid Task Force hosted a drug take-back day at the Lincoln Police Station.

Volunteers from the task force and the police department worked to collect and weigh unwanted prescription medications brought in by community members. There was also a drug pick up plan for those who were unable to deliver the trash medications to the station.

LPD lead D.A.R.E. officer, Christy Fruge, with help from Police Chief Paul Adams was busy serving up hot dogs and brats on the new grill that had just been purchased for the D.A.R.E. program.

At noon, Chris Graue arrived representing the Lincoln Pigs & Swigs Committee as well as Graue Chevrolet, and presented Fruge' with a donation to assist in covering the cost of the grill. Also donating to the cost was Lincoln Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Fruge' said she was pleased and surprised by the donations. She explained that she had funds available through the D.A.R.E. fundraising efforts to purchase a new grill. She contacted Graue because, in her mind, the guy who is the foundation of the Pigs & Swigs and a big barbecue guy himself would be the best person to ask for advice on what type of grill to purchase.

In those talks, Graue decided that helping with the purchase of the grill would be a good move for the Pigs & Swigs as well as his dealership. He also reached out to a few others, and the local Chrysler dealership also pitched in.

Graue said he did offer some input on the grill choices, but in the end, Fruge' sought out and purchased a grill on her own, and he noted, did a fine job of it.

For those who may recall the community night events hosted at local parks by the city, the LPD had access to a grill that they had to haul to and from locations on a wagon.

Fruge' that she had wanted to find something that would be easier to move and take up less space while in use. The grill she bought is on wheels and can be pulled behind any vehicle with a hitch.

Visitors during the noon hour on Saturday enjoyed perfectly cooked dogs and brats on the new grill.

Those who brought in unwanted prescriptions were invited to stay for lunch.

In addition, folks who brought in unwanted medications weighing one pound or more were offered the opportunity to enter into a drawing for a shopping card from Wal-Mart.

At the end of the day, Chief Adams reported that the take back day had brought in 80 pounds of unwanted medications.

In the Opioid Taskforce, members talk about how to bring unwanted drugs into the police department for disposal. Thanks to a grant from the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Foundation, the city of Lincoln Police Department has its own drug incinerator.

Drugs can be brought to the police station and deposited in a secure kiosk outside the building. When the city has collected enough to fire up the incinerator, the drugs are then destroyed.

The task force is working to promote unwanted drug disposal because bottles of drugs in medicine cabinets create an opportunity for young people to experiment.

Misuse of prescription medications can also lead to use of illegal drugs. Therefore, eliminating the temptation may be instrumental in preventing someone from getting addicted.

The drop box for unwanted medications is located outside the Lincoln Police station on Fifth Street Road. It is near the front door of the building and easily accessed from the parking lot without having to enter the building. This is a 'no questions asked' program where any drug may be deposited not just prescriptions.

The department does not accept liquids or syringes. It is recommended that liquid medications be disposed of by placing kitty litter or coffee grounds into a plastic container and pouring the liquid medication into the bag. Then place the bag in your regular trash receptacle.

[Nila Smith]