In honor of National Drug Take Back Day, the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drugs (HCCOAOD) will hold a take-back event on Saturday, April 30 in the east parking lot of Riverview Health in Noblesville.
Greer
“Most people who misuse prescription drugs get them from family, friends, and acquaintances,” HCCOAOD Executive Director Monica Greer said. “We know prevention starts at home. The simple step of clearing out medications that are no longer needed makes our homes safer, prevents prescription drug misuse, and can help save lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 100,306 people died of drug overdoses in the United States last year, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year. With close to 5,000 collection sites nationwide, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and its law enforcement partners have removed more than 15.2 million pounds of medication from circulation since the inception of National Drug Take Back Day in 2010.
“The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist,” Greer added. “Old and unwanted medicine too often becomes a gateway to addiction. Events like these are a critical effort to curb the historic surge in U.S. overdoses.”
Hamilton County residents are encouraged to drop off their expired or unused medications between 9 a.m. and noon on April 30. No liquids, sharps, or needles will be accepted. For those who cannot make it, there are opportunities to safely dispose of unneeded medications at local pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments throughout the year.