The American Medicine Chest Challenge

This April, Annette Meagher received the Hamilton County Employee of the Year Award for Professional Achievement.

Annette is the Public Relations Specialist for Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District and was recognized for organizing the first regional Pharmaceutical Collection event in our area.

She reached out to local law enforcement officers and organizations in an effort to keep pharmaceuticals out of our waterways and improve water quality for our residents. Annette brought these groups together and formed what is
now known as the Southwest Ohio Dispose Responsibly of Pharmaceuticals (DROP).

DROP is a regional collaboration of local health, safety and environmental professionals.

The purpose of their collection event was to provide residents with a free, safe and environmentally friendly disposal method for unwanted medication. This event was designed to provide a service for proper disposal and to raise awareness regarding the dangers of both prescription drug abuse and improperly disposed medication.

By not flushing unwanted pharmaceuticals and by purchasing less over the counter medication, we can all contribute to cleaner water in our environment and at the tap.

The DROP collaboration organized 22 drop-off sites throughout Clermont, Hamilton and Warren Counties. This regional event was held on Saturday, November 13th as part of the American Medicine Chest Challenge. Hundreds of residents throughout the region participated and officials collected over 2,000 pounds (1 ton!) during the 4-hour event.

In order to ensure proper disposal, two local Chiefs of Police stepped-up and dedicated their time and resources to personally deliver all collected materials to an Ohio EPA approved incinerator located in Indianapolis.

With the many generous donations provided by each member agency, this collection event was also the first in our region to meet all EPA and DEA regulations at no cost to the County.

Due to the success of the event and the involvement of local citizens, the DROP collaboration is now working to establish the first permanent pharmaceutical collection program to be offered throughout Hamilton, Clermont, Butler and Warren Counties.

Congratulations, Annette. We are proud to have you on our team!!