Residents encouraged to drop off unused & unwanted prescription drugs
In honor of National Drug Take Back Day, the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs (HCCOAOD) will hold a take-back event on Saturday, Oct. 25 in the far east parking lot of Riverview Health in Noblesville on Westfield Road. The drop off location is directly across from Federal Hill Commons.
Greer
“Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances,” HCCOAOD Executive Director Monica Greer said. “We know prevention starts at home. The simple step of clearing out medications that are no longer needed makes our homes safer, prevents prescription drug misuse, and can help save lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 87,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States last year. With close to 5,000 collection sites nationwide, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, along with its law enforcement partners, have removed more than 19 million pounds of medication from circulation since the inception of National Drug Take Back Day in 2010.
“The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist,” Greer said. “Old and unwanted medicine too often becomes a gateway to addiction. Events like these are a critical effort to curb overdose deaths.”
Hamilton County residents are encouraged to drop off their expired or unused medications between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday at the drive-thru event. No liquids, sharps, or needles will be accepted. For those who cannot make it, there are opportunities to safely dispose of unneeded medications at local pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments throughout the year.
Indiana State Police partners with DEA for Drug Take Back Day
On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring its nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.
Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for liquid and pill medications. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.
This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.
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 U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose both potential safety and health hazards.
Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post. The event will be on Saturday, Oct. 25 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To locate the State Police Post closest to your home or business, click here. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, click here.
