NATIONAL DRUG TAKEBACK DAY IS SATURDAY

April 29, 2017

Prescription drug abuse plagues thousands of families across America, due to easy access via medicine cabinets. Under proper medical supervision, medications can help us live longer and healthier lives; but if misused or abused, they can cause dangerous effects.

Prescription medications play an important role in the health of millions of Americans. However, expired medications or unused drugs often stay in the back of cabinets for months or even years. These expired drugs can pose significant health hazards to toddlers, teens, and even family pets who may inadvertently consume medications. Some medications are so potent that even one dose could be fatal if accidentally ingested.

There are other important safety issues: misuse of prescription narcotic drugs is increasingly a major public health concern. Over 46,000 Americans die each year from drug-related deaths, with more than half being from heroin and prescription opioids.

A U.S. government report shows that more than 70 percent of people who first misuse prescription drugs get them from their friends, relatives or simply take them without asking. A 2017 report in Pediatrics revealed that a child’s risk of a potentially fatal drug overdose more than doubles if a parent brings home a prescription opioid painkiller like oxycodone, codeine or morphine. In fact, researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that nearly 70 percent of prescription opioids in homes with children are not stored safely. These statistics magnify the need for proper disposal of unused or expired prescription medications from the home to help prevent misuse - or accidental overdose - of dangerous drugs.

The Lorain County Sheriff ’s Office Drug Task Force, and their partner departments will be holding the 12th prescription turn in day on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10 am – 2 pm. This program keeps expired or no longer needed medication out of the water supply and away from unintended users. Residents are encouraged to use this unique opportunity to safely and legally dispose of any unneeded pills, including prescription painkillers and other controlled substance medications, which can only be accepted for disposal when law enforcement is present. No Personal information will be asked. Please remove all labels. Medication will be kept by law enforcement officers until disposed of.