Published on Saturday, 8 November 2014 20:44 by Tyler Morning Telegraph
In an effort to prevent prescription drug abuse, a Tyler [Texas] coalition is raising money to purchase a drug incinerator for local law enforcement.
The East Texas Substance Abuse Coalition needs to raise $4,000 to purchase a Drug Terminator, which is a portable, small-batch drug incinerator, according to a news release.
The incinerator would be for local law enforcement to use for drug take-back days.
The federal Drug Enforcement Agency conducted its ninth and final National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 27.
In September, the agency’s new disposal regulations were published in the Federal Register.
The agency has no plans to sponsor any more of the nationwide take-back days and authorized collectors are expected to fill the gap, according to the agency’s website.
Local law enforcement want to keep taking in prescription drugs, but purchasing a drug incinerator, or paying for outside incineration, is cost-prohibitive, according to the coalition news release. That is why the coalition is raising funds for the purchase.
Tax-deductible donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/tylerincinerator .
“By coming together as a community to fundraise for an incinerator, we are using local resources to help solve a local problem, and ultimately building a safer community,” David Dickerson, East Texas Substance Abuse Coalition coordinator, said.
After the incinerator is purchased, the coalition plans to provide a community awareness campaign about prescription drug abuse.
The East Texas Substance Abuse Coalition is a program of Next Step Community Solutions, a Tyler-based nonprofit.
The coalition, made up of concerned community members, works to prevent adolescent drinking, marijuana use and prescription drug abuse in Smith, Rusk, Cherokee, Henderson and Van Zandt counties.
For more information about the ELASTEC Drug Terminator,
contact Jeremy Pretzsch, Elastec/American Marine Sales Manager.