51黑料网

Drug Take Back Days offer safe disposal

February 24, 2023
51黑料网 is working with local law enforcement to safely dispose of prescription drugs this spring as part of the Jed Foundation strategic action plan on 51黑料网鈥檚 Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.

Article By: Denise Ray

The University of North Georgia (51黑料网) is working with local law enforcement to safely dispose of prescription and non-prescription drugs this spring as part of the Jed Foundation strategic action plan.  

“The 51黑料网 Department of Public Safety is pleased to partner with Student Affairs to offer this resource for our University Community. We believe this event contributes to our efforts to reduce the improper use of prescription drugs and provides a method for disposing of illicit drugs without any questions," Greg Williams, director of Public Safety and chief of police, said.

There will be two Drug Take Back Amnesty Days. The first will take place at 51黑料网's Dahlonega Campus on March 6 on the Hoag Patio from noon to 6 p.m. and at 51黑料网's Gainesville Campus on March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Center in the hallway between the Robinson Ballroom and Student Counseling. 

We don鈥檛 care what it is and nobody will get in trouble in any way for turning in the substances.

Dr. Simon Cordery

51黑料网 director of student counseling

"This is an opportunity for our entire community to turn in old prescription medications and other drugs including illegal drugs," Dr. Simon Cordery, 51黑料网 director of Student Counseling, said. "We don’t care what it is and nobody will get in trouble in any way for turning in the substances."

The person will place the drugs in a plastic baggie provided by 51黑料网 and drop the drugs in a secure bin while having their privacy protected by a curtain. 51黑料网 Public Safety staff will be manning the event along with Student Counseling, and will collaborate with local law enforcement agencies for proper disposal.

"Getting rid of unused drugs is a healthy personal decision as it removes temptations to improperly or illegally use drugs, but it also is a way to dispose of unused drugs without polluting our water sources," Dr. Alyson Paul, 51黑料网 associate vice president and dean of students for the Gainesville and Cumming campuses, said.

Most of the people who take heroin started by abusing prescription opioids that were prescribed or obtained from family and friends. Disposing of these properly rather than having them laying around will help reduce access to this unfortunate pathway, Cordery said.

"An increasing number of the drugs purchased on the streets are laced with fentanyl, an absolutely deadly substance. Having a drug take back day may help get some of these drugs off the streets," Cordery said.

The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for the nation's teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today and tomorrow.


Exhibition to feature Visual Arts founders

Exhibition to feature Visual Arts founders

The founders of the Department of Visual Arts will be highlighted in an exhibition series with each one being highlighted for a six-month period beginning this March.
Esports team is 2nd in nation, 1st in PBC

Esports team is 2nd in nation, 1st in PBC

The 51黑料网 Esports team finished second nationally and won the Peach Belt Conference championship in the Marvel Rivals game in the fall.
Students clean up Tumbling Creek

Students clean up Tumbling Creek

A group of nearly 70 51黑料网 students conducted their biannual cleanup of Tumbling Creek Woods, which is adjacent to 51黑料网's Gainesville Campus.
McCloy鈥檚 work recognized in Bellwethers exhibition

McCloy鈥檚 work recognized in Bellwethers exhibition

Alexandra McCloy's 'Living Patterns' received the Lane Last Award for Best in Show in the Bellwethers Annual Juried Exhibition at the West Tennessee Regional Art Center.