Prescription Drug 'Take-Back'

Press release from Washington County Sheriff's Office:

Washington County Sheriff William M. Hutton announces that on Saturday, April 28th, 2012, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Washington County Public Health and Environment and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be participating in a voluntary prescription drug "Take-Back" campaign.  

We will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Washington County Government Center, at 14949 62nd St. N., in Stillwater.  The site will be located in the main lot at the government center with easy drive-through access.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Many Americans are not aware that medicines left in homes are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, theft, and abuse.  Prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is increasing, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  Improperly disposing unused medicine; e.g., flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, are both potential safety and health hazards.

Please take the time to look through your homes for prescription drugs to take to this event to make our community safer.