Pharmaceutical Disposal Program Yields Results

“We are very pleased with the results,” said Doug Corbett, Public Health Administrator, as he reports on the success of the recent pharmaceutical disposal program known as the Phil the P.I.L.L. (Protect Illinois Land and Lakes) Project.  Corbett said over 130 pounds of medication was collected amongst the participating pharmacies in Ford County during the six day project.  “This is a great start to what we hope to be a continuing program,” said Corbett.  “We all need to be good stewards of our environment and this is such an easy way for individuals to help protect our land and lakes from contamination.”

Mr. Corbett is especially grateful to those helping with the project.  “ Most of the pharmacies in the county participated in the program and some have shown an interest in possibly continuing the project.”  Corbett said the Ford County Sheriff’s office, Ford Baier Funeral Homes, Illinois Pioneer Pheasants Forever, the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging and the Elder Care Program of Ford and Iroquois Counties all helped sponsor the project.  “I personally want to thank all of these people for their efforts to make this project a go,” Corbett said.  “We can all feel good about doing something that is protecting our environment.  Our two main objectives were to educate people regarding the need for proper disposal of medications and to provide collection sites for people to take their medications for disposal.  I believe that we were successful in both areas.”

Mr. Corbett also expressed his appreciation to staff members, Nancy Reep, Jeanne Snyder, LuAnn Armantrout and Julie Clark for their work on this project.  “They did a great deal of work to make this project happen,” said Corbett.  “I really do appreciate their efforts.”

For more information regarding the Phil the P.I.L.L. Project, contact the local health department office at 217-379-9281,

Photo:  Nancy Reep, staff nurse for the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department and Sheriff Doran meet to discuss the Phil the P.I.L.L. Project.