INDIANAPOLIS
– In an effort to curb the abuse of potentially dangerous prescription
medications, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Franciscan St. Francis
Health are offering a disposal site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27.The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day event, which will take place in the outpatient parking lot in the northwest corner at the hospital (8111 S. Emerson Ave.), provides an opportunity for the public to rid their homes of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
“This
initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said Rich
Witmer, hospital security director. “This service is free and anonymous – no
questions asked.”
The
rates of prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses are
alarmingly high, the DEA reports. A majority of the medications – both pills
and liquids – are obtained from family and friends. Disposal of the drugs such
as flushing them down the toilet or discarding them into the trash poses both
safety and health concerns.
In
a national effort last year, Americans turned in 390 tons of prescription drugs
at more than 6,000 sites operated by the DEA and state and local law
enforcement partners.
