National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events scheduled
Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused prescription drugs on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24. All take-back events run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A biannual event organized by the National Drug Enforcement Administration, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to prevent drug misuse, reduce environmental contamination and raise awareness about the risks of keeping unneeded medications in the home.
Unused prescription drugs, left unsecured in a home, can lead to accidental poisoning of a child, or an overdose, health experts say. Flushing drugs down the toilet adversely impacts waterways.
To mark the day, numerous places across southwestern Pennsylvania will have collection sites for the disposal of medications.
Penn Highlands Mon Valley is among the local hospitals, police departments, fire departments, municipalities and pharmacies participating, and the hospital is teaming up with the Carroll Township Police Department for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications and ointments that are expired or no longer being used will be collected in front of the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center on the Penn Highlands Mon Valley campus.
“Properly disposing of medications that are no longer needed is an important step in keeping them out of the wrong hands and helping protect our families and community,” said Margaret Brown, director of pharmacy for Penn Highlands Mon Valley. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a convenient opportunity for people to safely clear out their medicine cabinets and dispose of medications they no longer use.”
Before disposing of the medications, all personal information should be removed or blacked out. Liquid products and creams in containers with secured lids are accepted, but sharps and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential risk of exposure to blood-borne diseases.
Led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to prevent drug misuse, reduce environmental contamination and raise awareness about the risks of keeping unneeded medications in the home.
The most recent National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held in April, saw more than 4,300 law enforcement agencies participate at 4,400 collection sites nationwide, collecting 321 tons of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
To find a drop-off location near you, visit https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.