About 2,000 masks were handed out, and a record 468 pounds of medications were collected to be turned over to the DEA for disposal, according to Det. Brian Melchi of the Sheriff’s Office.
“It was probably the most successful drug take back we’ve had, and the masks were passed out so we can stay healthy,” he said. “It was a win-win for us and the health department.”
The mask distribution was a joint partnership with the Clark County Commissioners, the City of Springfield, the Clark County Emergency Management Office and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Masks were purchased with CARES Act funds.
Clark County is at Level 3, the third-highest ranking on the Ohio Public Health Advisory’s system and near purple, the highest level, which prompted the distribution to help reduce the spread. Drug disposal kits were also given out.
The effort also came as the state on Saturday reported another daily record of 2,858 cases. It was the fourth straight day Ohio set a daily cases record.
Melchi said people were lined up 40 minutes before the 10 a.m. opening at the Springview location and handed out 50 masks in just the first half-hour of a four-hour window.
Springfield’s Sherry Robinson said she and her family prefer the disposable masks.
“It’s become an expense for our family. These are easier to breathe in and things like this really help,” Robinson said.
Neighbors Maurene Baugh and Betty Schwerin are also partial to disposable masks because they don’t fog up their glasses as much and they have heard some cloth masks are only washable for up to eight times before becoming less effective.
Baugh said everyone should do their part to stop the virus spread including masking up.
Cheryl A. Dover of Springfield wears masks even when she walks for exercise, concerned about droplets and aerosols that could spread the disease.
“It doesn’t hurt when walking,” she said.
An employee of Pizza Time Pizza & Sub Shop on Selma Road got several masks for employees and patrons who come into their shop without a mask. Melchi said it helps the public in multiple ways.
“She wants to stay in business and if she can keep her employees and customers safe then it’s worth the cost of a box of masks,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Office does take backs twice a year in the spring and fall and will do its next collection some time in April 2021.
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