Press Release - Prescription Drug Drop Box

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger.

Milton Police Lieutenant
John Conger with the
Prescription Drug
Drop-Off Box.
Photo by Rick Miller,
Milton Courier

We would like to take this opportunity to remind those in the community of the very stark reality of prescription drug abuse in our society. In response to this issue, our agency unveiled Rock County’s first 24 Hour prescription drug drop off box in 2010. Since then, the usage of the box has been very high. However, we have recently witnessed a decline in the number of pounds of medications that are being collected. We are hoping to guard against complacency, and urge you to take advantage of the program. 

This year, through November, we have collected 959 pounds of unused medications. January was the highest collection month, in which we collected 125 pounds. 

We ask that people be very cognizant of the security of their medications. Misuse of prescription drugs is very dangerous, and can lead to very tragic circumstances. Our program is geared to keeping prescription drugs out of the hands of the wrong people, particularly our youth. It is not acceptable to leave them accessible in the medicine cabinet, nor is it enough to simply “hide” them. This is particularly true during this time of year when relatives are visiting, and babysitters are more frequently used. You may be very trusting of people that you have in the home every day, however, keep in mind that visiting relatives or babysitters may take advantage of you leaving your prescription medications unsecured. As part of our ongoing campaign we ask that people treat their prescription drugs the same as they would a firearm; Lock Them Up. 

Other drop boxes are now available throughout Rock County, including in the cities of Janesville, Beloit, Edgerton, and Evansville.

We would also like to publically thank Rick Mullen, of Mercy Health Systems, for volunteering his time every week to help our officers properly sort the medications. Without community members like Mr. Mullen these programs would not be available.