Drug Disposal Event Taking Place On Saturday

It will be held at United Health Care Offices in Frederick.

 

Frederick, Md (KM) If you missed the drug take back day in April, you have another chance to get rid of any expired or unused medications in your home. The Frederick County Health Department, United Health Care and Whitesell Pharmacy will holding a drug disposal event on Saturday, June 2nd from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM . It will take place at the United Health Care offices at 800 Oak Street in Frederick.

During the event, you can get rid of prescription and over-the-counter medications, medical samples, pet medications, and medical ointments and lotions. Participants can dispose of these medication in their original containers, and can remove identifying information from prescription labels.

A 2014 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 9.4% of Frederick County high school seniors reported taking prescriptions drugs,such as OxyContin, Percoet, codeine or Xanax without a doctor’s prescription one or more times in the past 30 days. In addition, 7.1% of middle school students in Frederick County reported the same behavior.

The Maryland Opioid Misuse Prevention Survey conducted in November, 2016, found that 39% of the respondents 18 years and older reported that they got the prescription medications by stealing them from family members, and 26% reported getting painkillers from their friends.

Anyone who wants more information on the dangers of prescription medication misuse, and information on monitoring, storing and disposing of medications can go on line to www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/DrugTakeBack, or call 301-600-1755.

 

By Kevin McManus