Police roll out plan against prescription drug abuse
April 3, 2009
By J.B. Wogan
New: April 3, 11:33 a.m.
Twenty-one months.
Jeff Bowlby can count exactly how long ago his 19-year-old son Justin died from a drug overdose
Since then, Jeff and his family have sought ways to prevent other youths from abusing prescription drug medications, a problem emphasized by Justin’s death. School officials and local police have noted on more than one occasion that prescription drugs are prevalent on the plateau.
Deputy Mikael Brakebill demonstrates how to open the bin. The bin will be dressed up with signage and placed in the City Hall foyer. Photo by J.B. Wogan
“It became evident that our role was to remember Justin by creating awareness about the problem and the problem’s big,” Jeff said. “It’s been very cathartic for us, too.”
The Bowlbys, with Sammamish Police Chief Brad Thompson’s help, might have a solution. This April, Thompson will present the City Council with a metal bin that will take anonymous donations in the form of prescription drugs.
The Bowlbys came to Thompson about the bin idea last year.
“The guy took the ball and ran with it,” Jeff said.
When Thompson appeared before City Council March 11, he said the bin would allow parents to dispose of leftover prescription medication that is sitting in unlocked medicine cabinets.
The council did have some direction about the bin’s placement.
Councilwoman Nancy Whitten said she worried that if it was out of sight, it would be a target for robbery.
“I think it needs to be visible. I would worry if it was hidden,” Councilman Jack Barry said.
Thompson said the bin will be in the City Hall’s foyer across from the newspaper stands. He added that the bin also had an environmental benefit — people often flush medication down toilets, contaminating an area’s water supply.
The bin would provide a mechanism for people to rid themselves of the drugs and put them in hands of police to dispose of in safe containers.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com. To comment on this story, visit www.SammamishReview.com.
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