Flush It Down Comes Around

Every living creature on the planet relies on water to survive. Yet our drinking water is compromised when chemicals are inadvertently introduced into our water systems. Millions of unused medications (over the counter and prescription) are disposed of in the trash, washed down sinks, or flushed into toilets.

Municipal water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out these medications. Several studies reveal chemicals are seeping into our environment harming the organisms in the water as well as those who use, drink, play, and work in it.

In some states, strict laws govern the handling and proper disposal of prescription drugs. In addition to preventing medications from falling into unauthorized hands, when ready to be disposed of they are considered household hazardous waste. Take-back collection programs can only be managed with the presence of law enforcement agencies that have received approval from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Residents of Cobb County, Georgia have four opportunities in February to drop off unused pharmaceuticals for proper disposal. Together with Kaiser Permanente, Keep Cobb Beautiful is offering the first ever Medication Disposal Program for the public. Items accepted for drop off include: liquid and pill form medications, sharps and needles, diabetes materials, catheters, tubing, etc. No durable medical equipment (CPAP, nebulizers, etc).

Drop off will only be allowed at participating Senior Centers between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon on select Saturdays (see schedule below). In compliance with Federal law, volunteers and law enforcement personnel will be at each location to collect medications and properly dispose of them during these scheduled days and times ONLY. Drop off will not be allowed at any other times.

From 9 a.m. to noon at the following participating locations on the Saturday indicated:

February 6
Windy Hill Senior Center, 1885 Roswell Street, Smyrna, GA

February 13
North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293, Acworth, GA

February 20
East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA

February 27
West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs, GA

For more information, visit Keep Cobb Beautiful.

Reuse for Medical Equipment

Regardless of which side of the debate you take when it comes to the state of the American healthcare system, we can agree there are some who cannot afford access for basic healthcare needs. Each of us have either experienced a sprained muscle or broken bone once in our lives or know of a family member, colleague, or friend who has. Proper and immediate medical care is necessary to ensure recovery and reduce pain and discomfort.

The average healing time is about 8-10 weeks often aided by the use of medical equipment such as crutches, braces, orthotics, prosthetics, slings, and ace bandages. While most medical plans cover these expenses, some individuals simply can’t afford them. For those of us who can, what becomes of the equipment after we’ve recovered and no longer need them? Do they linger in our garages, attics, or closets, or end up donated to a thrift store or thrown out in the trash?

Embraced, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to collecting and distributing gently-used orthopaedic equipment to needy individuals. They aspire to distribute one million pieces, domestically and internationally, by the year 2011. Currently, the grass roots operation has 16 collection sites in the greater Atlanta area, located in doctor’s offices, physical therapy/rehabilitation clinics, gyms, and high schools. Pick up can be arranged for items that won’t fit into collection containers (i.e. wheelchairs, hospital beds and other items).

In addition to donations of equipment, Embraced welcomes financial donations through PayPal, corporate sponsors, and community-sponsored fundraiser events. 100% of donations goes towards funding the project’s mission. For more information, visit www.embracedatlanta.org or call (404) 592-4569.