District Attorney Seeking to Get Unused Meds Off Streets

The Centre County District Attorney’s Office continues to battle heroin and opioid-based drug addictions, and now, it is asking the county commissioners for support.

On March 22, Centre County District Attorney Stacy Parks Miller and First Assistant District Attorney Mark Smith visited the Board of Commissioners to ask for a letter of support for grant funding to bring medicine drop-off boxes to several public locations in the county,

‘Heroin use and opiate-based drug addiction is growing in the county, and we believe these boxes will help mitigate the issue,’ said Parks Miller. ‘Lots of people don’t know what to do with their unused or expired medication. This is a public service, through grant funding, to help keep our communities safe.’

According to Parks Miller, the Medication Collection Box Grant Program is orchestrated and funded by the Pennsylvania District Attorney Association. Although she said she could not provide a firm number for the amount of the grant, she was able to confirm the PADAA said several boxes are available. She said their cost is about $100 each.

‘They kind of look like mailboxes,’ she said.

They will be located where they can be supervised by sheriff deputies at the courthouse, and on other county properties where supervision by other local law enforcement is present.

‘We’re partnering with the county, the association and local law enforcement on this program,’ Parks Miller said. ‘It’s important these boxes are placed in a secure location with good supervision. They will all be bolted down for added safety.’

She said residents can use the boxes to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription or over-the-counter medication, vitamins, unused pet prescriptions, ointments and lotions and liquid medication. Needles, infectious waste and inhalers are not accepted. Parks Miller said those who dispose of medication can remain anonymous.

‘The National Guard and local law enforcement will assist in the proper collection and disposal of everything collected,’ she said.

The program has received plenty of local support.

‘All of the municipal police departments indicated they would like a box,’ said Parks Miller. ‘We’ve also gotten good support from several nonprofits, as well as the hospital.’

Commissioners Mark Higgins, Steven Dershem and Michael Pipe voted in agreement to send a letter of support on behalf of the DA’s office. Pipe asked Parks when the boxes would arrive.

‘I’m not sure of that, but they (PADAA) said it would happen pretty quickly,’ she said.