Drug take-back day is Saturday, Oct. 22
Too often, today’s headlines are about drug use, citing the drug epidemic and reporting that drug overdose deaths are reaching record highs. In other media, television commercials and print advertisements about prescription medicines are as plentiful as car or cell phone ads. These abundant messages have a connection, as addiction can start right at home, in your own medicine cabinet.
Many medicine cabinets contain unused, unwanted or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. If not disposed of, they may fall into the wrong hands and run the risk of accidental overdose and addiction.
Painkiller addiction can lead to heroin abuse. Some addicts may seek out unused medications to satisfy their habits, contributing to the growing U.S. heroin epidemic and resulting in increased overdose deaths.
“Drug use in general has no socioeconomic or demographic boundaries, and prescription drug abuse has become an increasing problem,” stated Jon Karl, school resource officer, PHNR community co-chair, and facilitator of the event. “Often, addicts will take medicine from their home, grandparents or friend’s medicine cabinets, making the medicine cabinet the latest ‘drug dealer.’ Users mistakenly think medication is safer to abuse than dangerous illegal drugs.”
Karl also added, “Recent medical and addiction studies have shown a direct link between abusing prescription medications and transitioning to heroin and other harder drugs. Disposing of unused medications helps to combat this crisis.”
Individual citizens can join the fight against drug abuse by participating in Operation Medicine Cabinet, and their efforts might just help save a life. Medication Take-Back events support prevention efforts and help keep communities safe and drug free.
This Saturday, the community is invited to dispose of unwanted or unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines at the Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, October 22, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at two convenient locations: Timber Ridge Plaza, 9199 Sprague Road (W. Sprague and York) and Giant Eagle Plaza, 6000 Royalton Road (Route 82 and State).
The event coincides with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s national drug take back initiative, to help alleviate prescription medicine abuse and misuse. Students in STAND (Students Together Against Negative Decisions), members from CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), PHNR (Partnership for a Healthy North Royalton) and the North Royalton Police Department are joining forces during this event to collect the drugs for safe disposal.
The free event offers a convenient drive-thru drop off. There is no paperwork involved, and participants keep their anonymity. Pills may be removed from their original container and placed in a sealed plastic bag. Needles, syringes, liquids and biohazard materials will not be accepted.
Last spring, the Operation Medicine Cabinet Drug Take-Back event resulted in 170 pounds of pills collected. The amount more than doubled from the previous collection.
Another benefit of participating in the drug take-back event is it helps protect the environment and is the safest way to dispose of meds. Those who cannot make the event can dispose of any expired or unused over-the-counter and prescription medicines at the North Royalton Police Department, 14000 Bennett Road. The drug drop box is located in the lobby and is accessible 24/7. The process is anonymous and no paperwork is necessary.