Local Police Host National Drug Take-Back Day Events

From MCDH: Mark your calendar for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27th. McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the McHenry County Substance Abuse Coalition, many local law enforcement agencies and other community partners in encouraging residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) “Drug Take-Back Day” program on Saturday, April 27th. Taking place between 10a.m.-2p.m. at participating law enforcement sites, this one day event addresses a vital public health and safety issue. Unused prescription medication in home cabinets is highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high. About one in nine young people aged 12 to 25 used prescription drugs non-medically within the past year. (National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2010)

Prescription and over-the-counter solid dose medications (tablets, powder, capsules) in clear, sealed plastic bags are acceptable for disposal. Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps. Personal information should be removed or blocked out with a permanent marker from prescription labels before disposal. Participating drop-off sites include most local police departments and the McHenry County Sherriff’s Office. To check and see if your local police department is a drug take back collection site see the list at www.mcdrugfree.com or www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.