Rep. Patrick Windhorst at prescription drug drop off event. | facebook.com/repwindhorst
Rep. Patrick Windhorst at prescription drug drop off event. | facebook.com/repwindhorst
In an April 22 Facebook post, Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Harrisburg) wrote that he had participated in a drug takeback event in Metropolis.
“Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and I had a great drug takeback event today in Metropolis,” he wrote. “Thank you to the Metropolis Police Department and the Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition for making it a success!”
According to a press release, the event provides an opportunity for residents to discard old medicines while keeping the water supply from being contaminated.
“It’s incredibly important to properly dispose of your unwanted or expired medications,” said Fowler. “By doing this, trained professionals can properly dispose of this medication so it’s not a hazard for the future. I am proud to partner with Rep. Windhorst and the Massac County Drug Awareness Coalition for this event.”
The Metropolis Drug Takeback event occurred on National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. "National Prescription Drug Takeback Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications," the DOJ website says.
According to a story on WSIL-TV, "The program encourages residents to bring unwanted or unused prescriptions to police so that they can safely dispose them."
“No one starts out hoping to become an addict, but as one uses a drug repeatedly over time, control over its use decreases dramatically,” the American Psychological Association wrote. “The individual who is initially a voluntary user can become a compulsive drug user, an addict.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported 2,944 individuals died from opioid overdose deaths in 2020.
Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. His legislative experience includes serving on the Restorative Justice, and Judiciary - Criminal committees. Windhorst resides in Metropolis.
Windhorst defeated candidate Ron Ellis during the June primary, then ran uncontested during the November general election.
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