Dayna Thompson, Contributor
Kennesaw State University unveiled a new prescription drug drop box earlier this month. The drop box is located inside the KSU Department of Public Safety. Its appearance is similar to a postal mailbox, and it allows students, staff, faculty and the Kennesaw community to safely dispose of unwanted prescriptions and medications in an anonymous way at any time. The drop box is an environmentally friendly alternative to at home disposal because it keeps drugs from entering water systems and landfills.
The “Think About It: Prevent Rx Drug Abuse” campaign raises awareness about prescription drug abuse and is sponsored by The Medical Association of Georgia Foundation who donated the drop box to KSU.
When asked about how the KSU community is responding to the drop box, Teresa Wren Johnston, Director of the Center for Young Adult Addiction, said the feedback has been great.
“We have had positive verbal feedback by students, staff and faculty,” Johnston said. “The interest and support for the work of the Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery and for the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Coalition has increased; and the campus and greater community has developed greater insight and awareness into the RX Drug epidemic.”
In terms of KSU’s acceptance of the drop box, Johnston said, “The goal is to inform and educate our students, staff and faculty that we should dispose of old or excess prescription drugs so that we aren’t tempted to self-medicate later or leave them exposed in a bathroom or kitchen cabinet.”
KSU’s Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery offers addiction education and intervention programs. Both individual and group support is available at request.
Students with any concerns regarding prescription drug abuse can contact Kennesaw State University’s Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their office is located in University College, Room 222. They are also available by phone at (470) 578-2538 and by email at recovery@kennesaw.edu.