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Date: 5/10/2022
HOLLAND – The Holland Police Department collected nine pounds of prescription drugs during their drug take back event on April 30.
Chief of Police Bryan Haughey, said twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts a drug take back day – one in the spring and one in the fall. The town of Holland has participated in this initiative since 2011.
During the drug take back days, Haughey said residents visit the Holland Police Department to properly dispose of their old or unused prescription drugs. “We have a big carboard box,” for people to dispose them in, said Haughey. “Our officers take [the drugs] out to Springfield.” From here, the DEA is responsible for destroying the drugs.
Haughey explained that they can collect any prescription medications, however needles are not accepted. For instance, someone who has diabetes would not be able to dispose of their needles at this event.
Following the event on April 30, Haughey noticed successes with a nine-pound collection of miscellaneous prescription drugs.
“We get a lot of people,” at the drug take back days, said Haughey. “People take advantage of it.” Many of those people include individuals whose family or friend have passed away and they are unsure on what to do with their prescriptions, said Haughey.
In addition to the two take back days every year, the Holland Police Department has a medication disposal unit in the police station lobby, year-round. Once the unit fills, Haughey said the officers bring it to Springfield, for the same disposal process.
“I think it’s useful,” said Haughey. “It’s a good way to get rid of [prescriptions] because people don’t know how to.”
The Holland Police Department hosts their drug take back days outside. Haughey said they started doing this outside because of COVID-19, however, he hopes to continue this offering in the future. He added that it is especially useful for elderly people, as they don’t need to descend downstairs to go inside the station.
Haughey said a police officer must always be present during these events, to avoid any issues.
Before the next drug take back day in the fall, the Holland Police Department will post the official date on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/HollandMAPD.