More drugs turned in than before in Bucks

BUCKS COUNTY

More drugs turned in than before

DOYLESTOWN Nearly 8,000 pounds of unused, excess, or expired prescription drugs were collected during a countywide "drug take-back" day last month, according to Bucks County officials.

Brian Hessenthaler, the county's chief operating officer, said the haul was nearly 800 pounds higher than the last take-back event, in September. He credited agencies such as the District Attorney's Office and the Drug and Alcohol Commission for getting the word out to the public about the event.

Authorities say abuse of prescription drugs can often lead to abusing more serious illicit substances, such as heroin.

Bucks County Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia has described heroin abuse as the county's most pressing issue. And federal data for 2013 showed that Bucks County's overdose mortality rate had increased rapidly and pulled nearly even with Philadelphia's.

Drug take-back days provide families with an opportunity to dispose of prescription drugs at secure sites. Similar programs are used by counties across the region.

Hessenthaler said he was thrilled by the program's success in Bucks, adding, "I can't tip my hat enough" to the volunteers and agencies involved. - Chris Palmer