“Today prescription drug use is considered the fastest growing drug problem in the country … without question getting old, unused or expired drugs out of medicine cabinets is critical.” So said Eric Holder, U.S. Attorney General.

“Pharmaceuticals have become a significant water pollutant nationwide”: President’s Cancer Panel 2008-09.

This is the fourth attempt to pass a law which would require drug companies to dispose of unused medications via incineration. It is modeled after successful efforts in Australia, Western Europe and Canada. It has also proven effective in a three-year pilot program, here in Washington, which sees the return of 300 to 350 pounds of unwanted medications per week. It has the support of 150 organizations in Washington state from pharmacists to law enforcement. Please consider: Fatal poisonings have risen 395 percent from 1990 to 2006. There have been over 17,000 accidental poisonings in 2010 due to over the counter and prescription medications. Drug overdose has now surpassed auto accidents as the number-one killer in Washington State. Pharmaceuticals have turned up in 80 percent of streams tested nationally and have been demonstrated to have negative impacts on aquatic life including fish. Prescription medications are the second most popular method of recreational drug abuse for our youth. Isn’t it time for a Secure Medicine Return Bill’s adoption and implementation?

This is another test of whether corporate interests will supersede those of public safety. The previous efforts were successfully stalled in committee by the drug lobby. If corporations have the same rights as people, as the Supreme Court has determined, they should be also have the same responsibilities. Urge your legislators to vote for HB1370 and SB5234.

For more on this issue visit www.takebackyourmeds.org/.

Gary Piazzon

Coupeville