The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and participating local law enforcement are coordinating a nationwide drug “take-back” day on October 26th. This one-day event will provide residents with no cost anonymous collection of unwanted and expired medicines.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Protect our kids, families and environment by properly disposing of your unwanted and expired medicines. Medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and flushed or trashed medicines can end up polluting our waters. Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high – over half of teens abusing medicines get them from a family member or friend, including the home medicine cabinet, and often without their knowledge.
Parents need to communicate the dangers of Rx medicine misuse and abuse to their kids, safeguard their medications at home, and dispose of unused medications properly. Parents say they don’t have much influence over their teenage children, but, surprisingly, teenagers admit that parents do have an influence.
One way parents, grandparents and other caretakers can take immediate action is by using the new Talbot CountyDrug Drop Box for the collection and disposal of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as vitamins and pet medicines. This secured box is located in the lobby of the Talbot County Public Safety Center at 115 West Dover Street in Easton and is available daily from 5:00 am until 9:00 pm for residents to dispose of unwanted, unused or outdated medications to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and being abused.
For additional information on what parents can do to help their children avoid the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.orgor find us on Facebook.
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