Berwyn police introduce new drug drop-off box

BERWYN – The Berwyn Police Department and Save A Star Drug Awareness Foundation have partnered to establish a drug collection and disposal program in the city of Berwyn, according to a Police Department news release.

The purpose of the program is to collect and safely dispose of unwanted and unused medications, thus keeping them out of the hands of individuals who might otherwise become victims of prescription drug abuse.

The use of prescription pills for non-medical reasons has reached epidemic proportions and threatens the lives of millions of Americans, the release stated. The Berwyn collection box is now in the lobby of the Berwyn Police Department, 6401 W. 31st St.

The following items are acceptable for disposal in the collection box: prescription medications, including controlled substances, all over-the-counter and pet medications, samples, vitamins, liquids and creams. Items that cannot be placed in the box include needles/sharps, thermometers, IV bags, bloody waste and hydrogen peroxide. The Berwyn Police Department lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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 their 25-year-old son and brother, Daniel, from an overdose of prescription drug medication in June 2007, according to the release. The 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, the release stated.