Strong commitment to public safety and health seen during the National Drug Take Back Day
The Richland Center community demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety and health during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Drug Take Back Day on October 24. Hosted at the Richland Center Police Department in partnership with Partners for Prevention of Richland County, the biannual initiative provided residents with a secure way to clear their homes of expired and unneeded medications.
The single four-hour collection event yielded 82.8 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Regional drop boxes also saw substantial participation leading up to the event: drop boxes at Center Pharmacy and the Richland Center Municipal Building accounted for 218 pounds, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department collected 43.8 pounds, and the Muscoda Police Department contributed 60.6 pounds. In total, the coordinated effort resulted in 405.2 pounds of medication submitted for safe destruction.
Chief Billy Jones emphasized the importance of these initiatives in reducing risks associated with accidental ingestion or intentional abuse. To support ongoing safety efforts, year-round drop boxes remain accessible at Richland Center City Hall, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Viola Village Hall, and Center Pharmacy, encouraging community members to maintain safe disposal practices throughout the year.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.