By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Along with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA, the Barton
County Health Department concluded another well-used drug take back day last weekend
in Great Bend.
Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman said the event ended with 296.8 pounds of unused prescription and nonprescription medications being
disposed of by the public.
"This year, within the first half hour, we had about 50 vehicles come through," said Winkelman. "Over the years, we've averaged around 200 to 300 pounds."
The Health Department and Sheriff’s Office usually team up twice a year, in
April and October, to accept expired or unused medications free of charge.
"This event is really a vital public health safety issue to get the drugs out of circulation that are expired or not needed anymore," said Winkelman.
Since 2016, the Barton County drug take back day has collected and disposed of
2,925.4 pounds of medications and controlled substances.