424 Pounds Of Unneeded Meds Turned Into Avon Lake Police

AVON LAKE, OH — Some 424 pounds of unwanted prescription medications were turned into Avon Lake Police on Saturday, the department announced on Facebook. The collection was part of a national effort to get unneeded medications off the streets.

Lorain County collected a total of 4,188 pounds of unneeded medications on Saturday. The collection efforts were all part of the DEA's National Drug Take Back Day.

“Take Back Day helps to keep drugs out of the hands of abusers and potentially save lives by removing unused painkillers and controlled drugs from homes,” said DEA Acting Administrator Robert W. Patterson. “The more unused painkillers or controlled drugs we can help to remove from homes, the more potential lives will be saved. The home medicine cabinet is a frequent target of prescription drug abusers and often provides access to prescription medication. We need the help of the public to dispose of this unwanted source of abuse. Take Back Day is an effective tool for addressing the opioid crisis in America.”

The Take Back event was held in October 2017. The DEA said there were more than 5,321 collection sites across the nation for that event. An astounding, 912,305 lbs. (456 Tons) of prescription medications were turned in.

Disposing of unwanted or unneeded prescription medications can help prevent opioid addiction. Many drug users claim their addiction started with prescription medications.

"We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said in a press release. "Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio."

As part of the Avon Lake collection Sissons Flowers & Gifts gave roses to participants.

Photo from Shutterstock