BATAVIA, Ohio (Sept. 15, 2014) – The public is invited to bring expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs to dropoff sites throughout the region on Take Back Day, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27.
Take Back Day, which prevents pill abuse and theft, is sponsored by local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous; no questions are asked.
Bring your prescriptions to these sites:
• Take Back Day sites:
o Milford Walmart, 201 Chamber Drive, Clermont County
o Anderson Center, 7850 Five Mile Road, Hamilton County
o Mount Orab Kroger 210 Sterling Run Blvd., Brown County
• Permanent Clermont County sites:
o Pierce Township Police Department, 950 Locust Corner Road, 513-752-4100
o Goshen Township Police Department, 6757 Goshen Road, 513-722-3200*
o Clermont County Sheriff’s Office, 4470 SR 222, Batavia, 513-732-7500
*Closed on Saturdays
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, said Michelle Lydenberg, injury prevention coordinator at Clermont Public Health. Medicines in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse, she said. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.
Last April, Americans turned in 390 tons (over 780,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 6,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,400 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 4.1 million pounds of pills.
For additional information, contact Clermont Public Health at 513-732-7499.
ABOUT CLERMONT PUBLIC HEALTH:
Clermont County Public Health is a local government agency that provides public and environmental services, regulatory compliance, nursing services and education/training to Clermont County residents. Clermont County Public Health is dedicated to the mission of protecting and improving the health of all Clermont County residents. The agency consists of five divisions and provides a wide variety of services. For more information visit www.ccphohio.orgor call 513-732-7499.
