News Release
For Immediate Release: April 25, 2011
Contact Person: Diane Lee, PIO, 301-334-7730
Prescription Drug Take Back Event
Garrett County agencies are teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Agency on April 30, 2011, to hold Prescription Drug “Take-Back” events throughout the county. Personnel at these sites will collect expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs that are potentially dangerous if left in the family's medicine cabinet.
Six collection sites have been planned, including sites at Northern Garrett Rescue Squads in Grantsville from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; in McHenry from 1-3 p.m.; and in Friendsville from 4-6 p.m. Events are also being held at Ryan's Glade Community Building from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; at Kitzmiller Fire Department from 1-3 p.m.; and at Southern Garrett Rescue Squad from 4-6 p.m. More than 4,700 collection sites are located across the nation, including sites in communities in nearby West Virginia and Pennsylvania .
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high—more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that individuals that abuse prescription drugs often obtained them from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards .
Help protect your family, your community and the environment by properly disposing of unwanted medications around your home. Bring expired or unused prescription or over-the-counter medications in the original containers to one of the “Take-Back” locations during the times listed above. The event is free, and no ID is required. Only household medicines will be accepted. No sharps containers please.
Garrett County 's “Take-Back” events are being sponsored by the Sheriff's Office, Drug Free Communities Coalition, and the Health Department. For more information about these events call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.