Erin Bone
North Platte, NE – January 15, 2025 – Community Connections’ Drug Take-Back events, formerly known as Prescription Drug Collections, resulted in the safe and proper disposal of 169 pounds of medications, including 5.6 pounds of controlled substances. Within the last decade, Community Connections has removed 2,491.81 pounds of medication (including 91.56 pounds of controlled substances) from our community.
The Drug Take-Back events are essential to the community and play a key role in preventing pharmaceutical drugs from falling into the wrong hands or polluting our water systems. Safe and responsible disposal of unused or expired medications is vital to the health and safety of the Lincoln County community, helping to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse, and environmental contamination.
These events were made possible through the ongoing partnerships with Region II Human Services, West Central District Health Department, Great Plains Health, Ready to Serve Volunteer Program (RSVP), Keep North Platte and Lincoln County Beautiful, Bomgaars, the North Platte Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.
"By offering a safe, accessible way for community members to dispose of their medications, we continue to protect public health and safeguard our local environment,” said Erin Bone, Substance Abuse Prevention System Coordinator of Community Connections. “The ongoing support of our local partners is instrumental in ensuring these events reach as many people as possible.”
Lincoln County residents are encouraged to participate in future Drug Take-Back events to ensure the safe disposal of unused or expired medications. Events take place on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 11am – 1pm at Bomgaars (510 E Philip Ave, North Platte). For more information, visit www.communityconnectionslc.org.
About Community Connections:
We build connections between community agencies, businesses, neighborhoods, schools, families and individuals to coordinate activities, services, and programs that enhance the quality of life in Lincoln County. We create change and inspire others to work together toward a better tomorrow.
About the Substance Abuse Prevention Program:
The Community Connections Substance Abuse Prevention System is committed to further improving quality of life for children and families in Lincoln County by reducing the rates of substance abuse in our communities, including illicit drugs, prescription drugs, underage drinking, and more.