Sheriff's Office – Making a Difference

The second annual Benton County Sheriff's Office "Drug Take Back Event" held on
April 30, 2011 was a success!

Results:

The event, which was held at the Benton County Fairgrounds from 10:00am - 2:00 pm, resulted in a total of 362 pounds of unwanted medications collected.  This is up from the 253 pounds collected last year.

Despite the rain, 238 households participated in the event; up from 176 last year.  The event was staffed by volunteer Reserve Deputies who also did a sweep through the County, collecting medications in Monroe, Alsea and Kings Valley.

Additionally, the Reserves were able to recycle an estimated 120 pounds of packaging including cardboard, paperboard, paper bags, plastic film and plastic pill bottles.

Purpose:

The purpose of the event was two-fold: 1) to keep unused prescription drugs from being misused, and 2) to keep unwanted medications out of the water supply.

This is a public safety issue.  The abuse of prescription drugs, particularly by teens, is rampant and growing.  The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that more teens abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana.  Collecting unused medications helps ensure they will not be abused.

And it helps protect the environment.  Trace amounts of pharmaceuticals have been found in Oregon's surface and ground water.  Collecting and disposing of unwanted medications in an environmentally sound manner keeps them out of our water system.

Partners:

In partnership with the Sheriff's Office again this year was the Philomath Police Department and the Benton county fairgrounds.  The Sheriff's Office also got an assist from Corvallis Public Works, Water Division who received a grant that paid for the event publicity and signage.

Medications Collected:

Eight Boxes of medications totaling 362 pounds were collected in the following categories:

Prescription (rx) Pills                     106.5 lbs

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Pills        60.5 lbs

Liquids (both Rx and OTC)          129.0 lbs

Lotions and Creams                           52 lbs
(both Rx and OTC)

Miscellaneous (inhalers, etc)              14 lbs

Among the prescription medications collected were oxycontin, vicodon and oxycodone.

Households Participating:

A total of 238 households (vehicles) participated in the event.  Most came from the Corvallis/Philomath area, but the entire county was represented.  The individual who came the furthest was a gentleman who was visiting family...from Georgia!

Albany          97321         3 households

Alsea            97324         3 households

Corvallis       97330        115 households

Corvallis      97333          65 households

Corvallis      97339           2 households

Georgia       31316           1 household

Monroe       97456           4 households

Philomath    97370           44 households

Sherwood    97140           1 household

Future Events:

At this time the Benton County Sheriff's Office is not planning another event until next spring.  Watch this website starting in March for details.

Take Back Programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs.  But if a program is not available, the DEA recommends that you:

• Take the medication out of their bottles
• Mix them with something unappealing like used kitty litter or coffee grounds.
• Seal them in a bag or disposable container and throw that away.

Reserve Deputy Brian Lundy keeps participants amused on busy Walnut Ave.

Six teams from the Sheriff's Office (Patrol Deputies, Reserve Deputies, Parole and Probation Officers, Female Corrections Deputies, Male Corrections Deputies and the Management Team) were among the competitors who arrived at the Fairgrounds at 6:30am to set up and start cooking before the gates opened to the general public at High Noon.

Teams not only made chili, but also decorated their booths and raised money for We Care Corvallis, this year's non-profit recipient.  See teams.

On Saturday, December 5, 2009, Benton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies joined by Corvallis Police Officers and Oregon State Troopers to bring a little joy into the lives of some special little people.

Nearly 100 children were able to shop for holiday toys and gifts as part of the 2009 “Shop With A Cop.” Kmart in Corvallis donated 10% off all purchases and opened the store  early for the event.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) employees donated bags and boxes of supplies to schools in Alsea, Kings Valley and Monroe. Crayons, glue, pens, pencils, binders, backpacks and other items on teachers’ “wish lists” were purchased by Benton County Sheriff’s Office employees (many of whom are outfitting their own kids for school).

Once again BCSO employees showed their generosity and helpful spirit. The supplies were delivered by BCSO members to grateful staff at all three schools.

School supplies are sorted into boxes for three rural schools. Helping with the sort are, from left to right: Deputy Aaron Gevatosky, AIC Sgt. Leslie Pomaikai, volunteer Steve Mills, Deputy Ben Drongesen, Corporal Randy Hiner, Sgt. Loretta Robinson, Deputy Joshua Gordon, and Deputy Greg Goller.