[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Public Health and Human Services Purchases Drug Incinerator For Columbia Police Department Use

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sgt. Bob Dochler, Public Relations Unit Supervisor/
Accreditation Manager(573) 874-7424, rtdochle at GoColumbiaMO.com

Andrea Waner, Public Information Officer
573) 874-7632, anwaner at GoColumbiaMO.com

Public Health and Human Services Purchases Drug Incinerator For Columbia Police Department Use

COLUMBIA, MO (August 8, 2014) - COLUMBIA, MO - The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) has purchased a "Drug Terminator" for use by the Columbia Police Department. The "Terminator" is a mobile incinerator for the disposal of illicit drugs. The implementation and use of the incinerator will work directly in conjunction with the Medication Drop Box program in order to encourage proper disposal of unused medication to reduce the misuse of prescription drugs in our community.

"We wanted to use the extra funds from our 2012 budget to purchase something that would have a positive impact," Department Director Stephanie Browning explained. "We felt that the incinerator would be an excellent investment in the overall health of our community."

The implementation of the "Drug Terminator" provides the City of Columbia with a potential solution to several issues currently facing the community. The new product will allow for a reduction in the number of drugs put down drains and the number of drugs appearing as waste in landfills, therefore positively impacting the safety of our water supply and the solid waste division.

"This incinerator will keep the medications away from people that they were not intended for and provides a safe way to get rid of out-of-date medications," Columbia Water & Light Communications and Marketing Supervisor, Connie Kacprowicz  stated. "There is an added environmental benefit of the medications not eventually ending up in our streams and rivers. This project will keep our community and environment safe."

In addition to the impact on various environmental sectors, the purchase of the incinerator correlates directly to a community identified strategic issue surrounding risky behaviors and the reduction of substance use in the community.

Finally, as a reminder, the public is encouraged to utilize the medication dropbox, located in the lobby of the Columbia Police Department, in order to dispose of any unwanted, expired, or leftover prescription medications. Â The following items are not accepted in the dropbox:

*Needs (sharps)

*Thermometers

*Blood or infectious waste

*Medication from businesses or clinics

*Hydrogen peroxide

*Aerosol cans

*Inhalers

For more information regarding the use of the incinerator, contact the Columbia Police Department at (573) 874-7424. For more information regarding the purchase of the incinerator, contact the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services at (573) 874-7632. 

 

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