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Capitol Update
by Senator Howard Marklein
October 25, 2019

 

The Battle Continues

 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and local law enforcement set aside time in Fall and Spring each year to formally encourage us to safely dispose of unused and expired prescription drugs. They organize formal drug take-back events, promote permanent disposal sites and remind us about the importance of properly disposing of unused and expired prescription medication. Consider taking time to clean out your medicine chest this weekend!
 
The drug take-back program is primarily an effort to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of those who seek to abuse them. By destroying unused prescriptions and removing them from our homes, we remove the temptation and opportunity for others to abuse them.
 
The battle against opioid and prescription drug abuse continues. However, the drug take-back effort, formal disposal locations and educational campaigns are making a difference. Combining these efforts with the concept of Drug Courts and the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) for healthcare providers and pharmacies, we have made significant strides.
 
Early in 2019, I wrote another column about the PDMP and our achievements since the legislature launched the HOPE Agenda in 2013.  The net effect of our combined efforts is that the quantity of pills dispensed per capita have decreased by 37% between 2015 and 2018 in the counties of the 17th Senate District.  Iowa (-44%), Richland (-43%) and Monroe (-41%) counties have seen the biggest decrease in prescription pills dispensed. The smallest change is in Lafayette county, but their numbers are still down by 29%!  We are making a dent!
 
In addition to battling opioid and prescription drug abuse, formal drug disposal is also helpful to prevent prescription medication from contaminating our water and soil. Experts recommend that we refrain from flushing unused medication or placing it in garbage that is destined for landfills or other disposal. Safe destruction of prescriptions, usually through incineration, is the best way for us to dispose of unused drugs.
 
You will find a lot more information about our continued battle at www.doseofreality.com. You will also find an interactive map of the permanent drug disposal locations throughout the State of Wisconsin and guidelines for dropping off unused or expired prescriptions.
 
In the 17th Senate District, bring your unused or expired prescription drugs to one of the following permanent locations:
 

  • Argyle EMS Building – 104 N. Broad Street, Argyle, 24/7
  • Boscobel Police Department – 1006 Wisconsin Ave., Boscobel, M-F 7-4.
  • Darlington Municipal Building – 627 Main Street, Darlington, 24/7
  • Dickeyville Police Department – 500 East Ave., Dickeyville, M-F 8-5:30, Sat. 9-1.
  • Dodgeville Hometown Pharmacy – 206 N Iowa Street, Dodgeville, M-F 8-6, Sat 8-1
  • Elroy Police Department – 1717 Omaha Street, Elroy, M-F 8-4.
  • Fennimore Municipal Building – 860 Lincoln Ave, Fennimore, M-F 8-4:30.
  • Green County Sheriff’s Office – 2827 6th Street, Monroe, 24/7
  • Hillsboro Police Department – 836 Prairie Ave., Hillsboro, M-F 8-4:30
  • Iowa County Sheriff’s Office – 1205 N. Bequette Street, Dodgeville, 24/7
  • Juneau County Sheriff’s Office – 200 Oak Street, Mauston, M-F 8-4:30
  • Lancaster Police Department – 222 S. Madison Street, Lancaster, 24/7
  • Mauston Police Department – 303 Mansion Street, Mauston, 24/7
  • Monroe Police Department – 1811 12th Street, Monroe, 24/7
  • Muscoda Police Department – 206 N Wisconsin Ave., Muscoda, M-F 8-4:30
  • Platteville Police Department – 165 N 4th Street, Platteville, 24/7.
  • Reedsburg Police Department – 200 S Park Street, Reedsburg, 24/7
  • Richland County Sheriff’s Office – 181 W Seminary Street, Richland Center, 24/7
  • Sauk County Sheriff’s Office – 1300 Lange Ct, Baraboo, 24/7
  • Shullsburg Police Department – 190 N Judgement St., Shullsburg, M-F, 1-5
  • Spring Green Police Department – 112 West Monroe Street, Spring Green, M-F, 8-4:30

 
For more information and to connect with me, visit my website http://legis.wisconsin.gov/senate/17/marklein and subscribe to my weekly E-Update by sending an email to Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. Do not hesitate to call 800-978-8008 if you have input, ideas or need assistance with any state-related matters.

Marklein represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all or parts Grant, Green, Iowa, Juneau, Lafayette, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon counties. Marklein serves on the legislature’s budget-writing Joint Finance Committee and is Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Revenue & Financial Institutions.