Butler University Police Collect 95 Pounds of Unused Medications in Take Back Event
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA — The Butler University Police Department (BUPD), working alongside the Butler University Community Outreach Pharmacy, collected 95 pounds of unused and expired medications during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25.
The event, part of a nationwide DEA initiative, aims to provide residents with a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted or expired medications. Officials said this year’s turnout reflected the community’s growing commitment to preventing prescription drug misuse and promoting public safety.
Community Participation Makes Event a Success
The collection site, located at the corner of Hampton Drive and Sunset Avenue, saw a steady stream of local residents throughout the day. Volunteers and police officers worked together to gather five boxes of discarded prescriptions, ensuring they were safely packaged for proper disposal.
Two student volunteers, Felicity and Sonya, assisted by greeting participants and organizing materials. Their efforts were recognized by officers for helping maintain an efficient and positive atmosphere during the event.
“The community response was fantastic,” one BUPD spokesperson said. “Events like this make a real difference in reducing the chances of medication misuse or environmental contamination.”
DEA’s Take Back Initiative Promotes Safety and Awareness
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Take Back program encourages law enforcement agencies and local organizations to host disposal events nationwide. By safely removing unused drugs from homes, the initiative helps prevent prescription abuse, accidental ingestion, and improper environmental disposal.
Authorities emphasized that many people are unaware of the dangers associated with keeping expired medications at home, which can lead to theft, misuse, or contamination of water systems if flushed.
Residents Encouraged to Stay Involved Year-Round
Community members are urged to monitor future Take Back Day events or contact their local law enforcement agencies for year-round medication disposal options. Many police departments and pharmacies now provide secure drop boxes for safe disposal at any time.
For more updates on community safety efforts and local outreach programs, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
