8/20/13 - The Big Red Barrel collected 17 pounds of prescription medication by making an appearance at the Walgreen's location in Hartland last weekend. The Big Red Barrel, which is currently located at seven police departments around the county, allows residents to anonymously dispose of prescription medications in an environmentally safe way. Leftover and unused prescription drugs are one of the leading ways for young people to begin experimenting with substance abuse, and can lead to addiction to illicit drugs like heroin and other opiates. Organizers say the Big Red Barrel is a way to curb that trend by disposing of the drugs in an environmentally safe manner. They have taken the program on the road around the county to increase its exposure. Walgreen's is the Community Alliance's first major corporate partner, and has hosted the Big Red Barrel at various locations throughout the summer. Alliance Coordinator Kaitlin Fink says some people can be too intimidated to bring their old prescriptions to police departments, and some communities, including Hartland, do not have a police station nearby. Last month it was in Brighton, and this past Saturday it appeared in Hartland. Over four hours, the barrel collected 17 pounds of prescription medications. The Big Red Barrel will continue to make appearances in the coming months. The next will take place at the Walgreen's at Cross Street and Grand River in September. (TD)
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