The President's Corner

View Image Gallery

Do you have any unused and/or expired medications in your medicine cabinet? Do you know the best way to dispose of them? Well, the Parma Police Department has the answer. All too often unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs end up in the wrong hands or are literally flushed down the toilet. Stories of family members and visitors stealing them abound. In fact, there are some folks who visit homes on the market simply to raid medicine cabinets. Further, all too often drugs can end up in the hands of curious children, sometimes with tragic consequences. Drug disposed of down the drain have shown to have negative environmental impacts.

According to the 2019 national survey on drug use and health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

To keep people and the environment safe, the best and safest way to dispose of your unused drugs is to take them to a community collection bin. Luckily, the Parma Police Department has a collection drop box in their lobby at 5555 Powers Boulevard, where you can dispose of them anonymously and for free. Be sure to remove all identifying information before you turn them in. If you do take prescription or nonprescription medications, always keep them in a safe a secure location. To find out more visit the Food and Drug Administration website.

On another note, the Parma Police Department will be holding the next rendition of its popular Citizen’s Police Academy. The free program will begin on November 16 and will run for 10-weeks. The Academy is a great way to open lines of communication between the community and the police department. Interested residents must be at least 18, have no serious criminal history (a background check will be performed), be physically able to participate in activities, commit to attend the 10-weekly three-hour sessions, and sign waivers and agreements.

More information and applications may be obtained by contacting Captain Thomas Siedlecki at 440-887-7329 or by emailing him at tom.siedlecki@parmajustice.net.   

A word of thanks to all of our military veterans as we honor you on Veterans Day, November 11.