POMEROY – Pomeroy Partners Coalition for Healthy Families and the Garfield County Sheriff's office coordinated "Drug Takeback Day" a national event supported by the Drug Enforcement Agency, on April 23. The national date for the event was scheduled to occur on Saturday April 24, however, Pomeroy Partners Coalition for Healthy Families Coordinator Melody Darby believed turnout would be better on a Friday so moved the event to April 23.

Tables were set up on the Garfield County Courthouse lawn by coalition members Darby, Garfield County Sheriff's Office Communications Officer Scott Zaval, Garfield County Hospital District Accountant Stephanie Miller and Social Worker Carlie Akin; and Garfield County Health District Program Coordinator Jessica Nelson. Each table represented an activity. One table offered a raffle hosted by the Hospital and Heath Districts in addition to merchandise give aways ranging from pens to bags with an inspirational message. Another table provided hot dogs, prepackaged chips and cookies, and bottled water.

Lewis-Clark Credit Union donated money for the food, and Meyers Hardware Store, Twisted Wire Café, Pirate Pit Stop, and 4 Star Supply each donated a gift card for the raffle. Jackie Tum won the Meyers card, Naomi Scoggin won the Twisted Wire card, Cordee Knebel won the Pirate Pit Stop card, and Shirley Brandon won the 4 Star card.

Pomeroy Partners supplied 30 medication lockboxes, which were given away, and more have been ordered. They will be available at the Garfield Public Health District, Garfield County Hospital District, Garfield County Sheriff's Office, and the Garfield County Fire District No.1. "It's important to reduce access to your meds for all people who don't have a prescription, especially youth and at-risk people." said Nelson. "Keep your meds locked up.

-East Washingtonian photo by Naomi Scoggin

Carlie Akins (far left) and Stephanie Miller (center left) man the Garfield County Hospital table while Melody Darby (center) and Scott Zaval (right) pass out food.

Darby was happy to have an event with multiple entities represented. "To bring us all together for an event like this is important for the community," she said. "It shows that we do work together." Working with the community is a part of the Pomeroy Partners mission: 'To positively impact our youth and families, reduce substance abuse, and increase awareness through community collaboration.' "The hospital is super excited to be able to partner with the coalition to help promote healthy families." said Miller.

There is a permanent medicine drop kiosk behind the courthouse, open 24/7 for anyone who needs to dispose of medicine.