EDITOR’S NOTE: Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD, a consortium of local elder and community service providers, law enforcement agencies and volunteers, will offer periodic “Catch Your Eye” columns in this space. The columns aim to inform and educate readers about TRIAD initiatives and services.

Once again it’s time to clean out household medicine cabinets that harbor pills, drops and ointments no longer used or needed. Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD encourages everyone to participate in the upcoming National Drug Take-back Program. Proper disposal of unused medications makes our households safer and our environment cleaner.

In the previous national collection, “We set yet another record with the collection of 19,980 pounds of unused, expired and unwanted medications. Maine was again No. 1 per capita for the overall collection in the U.S.,” reported Michael Wardrop, resident agent in charge of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Portland.

“Simply unbelievable,” said Maine U.S. Attorney Michael Delahanty, in a message of congratulations for collecting nearly 20 tons of unused medications during that four-hour collection period in April 2012.

On Saturday, Sept. 29, local law enforcement officials and TRIAD partner volunteers will again participate in the national effort to collect unwanted or unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications at the following locations:

Bath Middle School (Old Bath Road); McLellan Building at 85 Union St., Brunswick; Harpswell Town Office; Phippsburg Fire Department; Richmond Senior Center; and Topsham Municipal Building.

Please bring medications to one of these sites between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. only on Sept. 29. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, who is sponsoring this program, will properly dispose of all medications collected.

Another TRIAD supported program is the AARP Driver Safety Program designed to increase safe driving awareness for those 55 and older. In November, this program is free to veterans, activeduty and retired military service members and dependent family members. To register for a Nov. 2 class, call 751-9364 or for a class on Nov. 19, call 443-5563.

Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD supports and participates in several local programs designed to increase the safety and security of the older population. If you want more information or have any questions or suggestions about programs that enhance the well-being of older residents in the community, visit our website at www.merrymeetingbaytriad.org or call TRIAD at (207) 751-6989.

— CONNIE LEWIS, Merrymeeting Bay TRIAD