Special to The Dallas Examiner
DALLAS
Expired, unused and unwanted medications in many homes can end up in the wrong hands or leach into soil and water. In an effort to prevent accidents and improper disposal of potentially harmful substances, Parkland Health and Hospital System and the Dallas County Hospital District Police Department participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day twice a year.
“Our main goal is to help prevent accidental poisonings, misuse and overdoses by offering convenient places throughout the community for people to drop off medications that are expired or are no longer needed,” said Miranda Skaaning, Parkland sustainability manager.
This year’s first National Drug Take Back Day event will be free and open to the public, April 27, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at two Parkland clinics: Ron J. Anderson, MD Clinic, located at 5184 Tex Oak Ave.; and Garland Health Center, located at 802 Hopkins St. in Garland.
“Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisonings in the U.S., and simply throwing these substances in the trash or flushing them down the drain can result in harm to the environment,” Cristina Thomas, NTPC public health education manager. “That’s why it’s important for folks to clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in medications safely.”
During the event, medications can be turned in anonymously. Community members can drive into the parking lot, hand the medications to a law enforcement officer and drive away with no questions asked.
“Proper disposal of medications is important to prevent contamination of our soil and water that could affect the health of not only humans, but other species, which can then impact people,” Skaaning added.
For more information about the proper way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, contact the poison experts at the North Texas Poison Center at Parkland by calling 1-800-222-1222 or visit http://www.poisoncontrol.org.
DALLAS
The city of Dallas’ floodway projects, including the new Cadillac Heights Levee, received over $450 million in funding under Supplemental Appropriation in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) to address long-awaited critical flood risk management for the residents and businesses along the Trinity River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers included the Dallas Floodway and Dallas Floodway Extension Projects as part of the supplemental appropriation.
“I am very pleased that the Cadillac Heights Levee project is funded,” said Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold, District 4. “Work on this project provides much needed flood protection and environmental improvements, spurs economic development, and gives the city the opportunity to deliver on a promise made to residents and businesses in this area.”
The inclusion of $135.25 million for the Lamar Levee and Cadillac Heights Levees will complete the Dallas Floodway Extension Project after over 20 years of efforts. The remaining $223 million is for major improvements in the floodway, such as levee raises and flattening, removal of AT&F Bridge, Trinity Portland Pump Station, Charlie Pump Station, Delta Pump Station Rehabilitation and Hampton Pump Station.
“The city is grateful for the Corps’ leadership and collaboration of our federal and state partners with helping secure the funding needed to advance flood protection projects that will help protect lives and properties from flood risks,” said District 11 Council member Lee M. Kleinman, chair of the Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure and Sustainability Committee.
The Lewisville Dam is also approved for associated flood risk management, such as spillway improvements and restoration of maintenance paths with funding of $92 million. The supplemental funding gives the city the opportunity to complete these projects, in a timely manner and reduce financial obligation for the residents and businesses.
“The planned improvements for the remaining pump stations, including the Trinity Portland Pump Station and the levee system are important to the residents of District 6,” said Council member Omar Narvaez, District 6. “These improvements will aid in improving the quality of life for our residents and reassure the community that we are keeping their best interest in mind as we seek resources for Dallas.”