What: The Urbandale Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 19th opportunity in ten years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last fall, Americans turned in nearly 883,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 6,300 sites operated by the DEA and almost 5,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. DEA, along with its law enforcement partners, has now collected nearly 6,350 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications since the inception of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative in 2010.

To keep everyone safe, collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 24 Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com.

When: On October 24th, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Where: Urbandale Police Department at 3740 86th Street, Urbandale, Iowa 50322. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches.) Media parking is available in the front parking lot of the police station.

Who: Sgt. Chad Underwood-Public Information Officer will be available for comment, by appointment.

An email was sent home last Wednesday, 10/7, to make families aware of the UCAN Clothing Closet. The closet is by appointment only at 515-278-3936. Please remember to wear your face mask when visiting.

Valerius PTO will be hosting a virtual fun run October 23-25, 2020. The Fun Run is our

primary 2020-21 fundraiser for Valerius! The funds raised will be used toward fulfilling

the PTO’s mission of encouraging kids, connecting families and serving Valerius.

DONATE ONLINE: www.valeriuspto.com

How does it work?

Students and their families are encouraged to run or walk in their neighborhood or at a

park at a time that works for them over the designated weekend.

How are funds raised?

● Request donations from family and friends. Supporters can make a flat dollar

amount contribution in the student’s name. Donate online or by cash/check in the

attached envelope.

● Flock a Friend! Want to donate and have some fun with a friend?! You can fly

the J-Hawk Flock to a friends yard or YOUR own with a $50 donation! A

flock of Red & Blue Flamingos and a sign promoting our Virtual Fun Run

Fundraiser will appear in the designated yard for 2 days!

● Buy some J-Hawk Gear! Fun Run shirts are available for sale for adults.

● Ask your company to sponsor! Local business partners can contribute by

becoming an event sponsor.

With the unpredictability of COVID-19 circulating at the same time as the flu, it is recommended to get a flu shot in order to decrease the possible negative impacts on your respiratory system. The flu vaccine not only reduces your risk of illness from influenza but can prevent hospitalizations and deaths.

UCSD will not be partnering with Polk County Health this year to have a flu shot clinic. You may contact your health care provider for the vaccine or visit one of the many area pharmacies offering flu shots.

Principal- Valerius Elementary

Email: colem@urbandaleschools.com
Website: www.urbandaleschools.com
Location: 3305 92nd St. Urbandale, IA 50322
Phone: 515-457-6501
Twitter: @MichelleACole