Officials with the MTSU Campus Pharmacy collected nearly 68 pounds of unwanted drugs dropped off by the public and campus community Thursday (Oct. 22) near the pharmacy’s drive-thru on the east side of campus.

More than 44 pounds of prescription medications, 19.4 pounds of over-the-counter drugs and 4.3 pounds of controlled substances were taken in by the MTSU pharmacy and Campus Police during the event to coincide with National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days held every spring and fall. The MTSU spring event was canceled because of COVID-19.

MTSU pharmacist Tabby Ragland, left, and Shanna Messex, a second-year Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy student, collect and count unwanted medications dropped off Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Campus Pharmacy drive-thru. The drive collected nearly 68 pounds. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Expired, unused, and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines were accepted during the 5½ -hour-long MTSU collection drive. Lisa Schrader, Health Promotion director, said 67.7 pounds was collected altogether.

On-site staff, supported by second-year student Shanna Messex from the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy,observed COVID-19 safety precautions (social distancing and wearing masks) to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

“It was a successful event overall,” MTSU pharmacist Tabby Ragland said. “Once again, we had a number of different things dropped off.”

Lisa Schrader, left, director of Health Promotion at MTSU, takes unwanted medications dropped off by Kristin Wells, who works in the Office of Development, Thursday, Oct. 22, at the MTSU Drug Take Back Day at the pharmacy drive-thru at the Health, Wellness and Recreation Center. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

For the second time, people could drop off vape and electronic or e-cigarette items at the MTSU site.

Schrader will announce the spring 2021 drug take-back day in early April. For more information, call 615-494-8704.

A study sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration revealed more than 54% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.

October 2020 marks the 19^th National Prescription Drug Take-Back initiative.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@MTSU.edu)

Shanna Messex, left, a second-year Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy student, counts unwanted medications dropped off Thursday, Oct. 22, during the MTSU fall Drug Take-Back Day at the Campus Pharmacy Drive-Thru. Nearly 68 pounds was collected during the 5½-hour collection drive. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)