At the last Drug Take-Back Day, the collection of unused, unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications totaled 252.2 pounds.
Residents dropped off their medications on Saturday, October 23, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Timber Ridge Plaza on the north side of town and in the center of town, in the Giant Eagle parking lot.
The event coincided with the National Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Drug Take-Back Day, with collection sites nationwide, operated by local law enforcement agencies and other community partners. The success of the local event was made possible through the efforts of the North Royalton Police Department (NRPD), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and North Royalton High School students in the club Students Together Against Negative Decision (STAND).
The North Royalton Fire Department displayed its ambulance in the Giant Eagle parking lot, easily guiding drop offs to the location. In addition, it provided shelter from the cold wind to high school members of STAND, who made anti-drug posters to display in the high school during Red Ribbon Week.
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.
Another benefit of disposing of medications at the Drug Take-Back Day is it helps protect the environment.
Those who could not 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.
The next community Operation Medicine Cabinet, Drug-Take Back Day will be held in the spring.