Grant to Aid in Prescription Drug Disposal
By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: July 10, 2012
JOPLIN, MO - One in five teenagers abuses prescription drugs. But a new grant could help keep them out of the hands of area kids.
The Missouri American Water Company awarded $6,000 to The Alliance of Southwest Missouri. The money will be used to buy an incinerator to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs.
It will be an extension of the organization's "Safe Teen Initiative," which has provided medication drop boxes in eight locations throughout Southwest Missouri. These dropboxes also benefit the environment by helping prevent improper disposal of drugs which can lead to water contamination.
"The prescription drug takeback program can have a huge impact on our watershed and our drinking water," said Christie Barnhart, Missouri American Water Company External Affairs Manager. "Keeping those medications from getting into our watershed is a very high priority," Barnhart added.
The Alliance is one of six organizations that will receive grants from Missouri American Water for projects that could have a significant impact on the environment.
