Pill collection, disposal program in Libertyville

The village of Libertyville and the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation have established a pill disposal and collection program for unwanted and unused medications.

The pill collection unit has been installed in the Libertyville Police Department, 200 East Cook St., with the intent of keeping unwanted and unused medications out of the hands of individuals who might otherwise become victims of prescription drug abuse.

The following items are acceptable for disposal: prescription medications, including controlled substances; all over-the-counter and pet medications; samples; vitamins; liquids and creams. Items not acceptable for deposit in the collection unit are: needles/sharps, thermometers, IV bags, bloody waste and hydrogen peroxide.

According to those involved:

Ÿ Prescription pills are killing more of our youth today than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and inhalants combined.

Ÿ Teens abuse prescription drugs more than any illicit street drug except marijuana. Seventy percent of people who abuse prescription drugs say they get them out of the medicine cabinets of family or friends.

Ÿ Everyday, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs for nonmedical use for the first time.

Ÿ Propelled by an increase in prescription narcotic overdoses, drug deaths have doubled in the last decade and now outnumber traffic fatalities in the United States.

Ÿ Medications that are disposed of incorrectly pollute the environment and can contaminate the local water supply.

The problem has reached epidemic proportions and threatens the lives of millions of Americans. The Libertyville fire and police departments and the Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation have partnered to battle this epidemic.

The Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation was founded in Highland Park by David and Gail Katz and their daughter, Melissa Katz Gold, following the death of David and Gail’s 25-year-old son Daniel from an overdose of prescription drug medication in June 2007.

The Save a Star Drug Awareness Foundation was created to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of prescription drug abuse and addiction, and to provide tangible methods to remove unwanted and unused medications from America’s homes.

To make a donation in support of the Drug Disposal Program, or if you’d like more information about Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation, visit www.SAVEASTAR.org or call (847) 579-1300, ext. 146.