Chester County Collected 8,000 Pounds Of Prescription Drugs In 2016

During 2016, the Chester County District Attorney's office collected more than 8,000 pounds of prescription drugs.

The drugs were collected through disposal boxes dispersed throughout the county.

The program has expanded dramatically and now includes cooperation between police, hospitals, the National Guard, Chester County Commissioners, and other volunteers, the DA's office said.

"The drug disposal box program continues to be a success in Chester County," said DA Tom Hogan. "The safe disposal of prescription medication, especially powerful opioids, keeps these drugs from getting into the wrong hands. We're protecting both our children and our environment, two goals everybody supports."

Year totals are as follows:

• 2014: 1,392.8 pounds
• 2015: 2,967.4 pounds
• 2016: 8,073.6

“We have come a long way from flushing unwanted pills down the drain into the water system," said Jim Paradis, President of Paoli Hospital. "Installing this box won’t completely solve this problem, but it’s one more step in the right direction, and it gives us an opportunity to continue our efforts to combat the opioid crisis in our community.”

Opioids have grown explosively over the last several years. In 1998, 11.5 tons of oxycodone were produced world-wide. By 2013, 138 tons of oxycodone were produced. Over 90% of the oxycodone produced is consumed in the United States, according to the DA's office.

Patch file photo