Westover, Md. – The Somerset County Health Department wants to remind all residents to participate in this year’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10am – 2pm. The following law enforcement agencies have collection bins to safely and anonymously dispose of unused or expired prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and other unused pharmaceuticals:
- Maryland State Police Princess Anne Barrack “X” – 30581 Perry Rd., Princess Anne, MD 21853
- Princess Anne Police Department – 11780 Beckford Ave., Princess Anne, MD 21853
- Crisfield Police Department – 319 West Main St., Crisfield, MD 21817
- Somerset County Sherriff’s Department – 7920 Crisfield Highway, Westover, MD 21871
Later that day, Somerset County Health Department staff will be at the 4th Saturday Bay Stroll in Crisfield (weather permitting) from 4pm – 7pm distributing Deterra Drug Deactivation bags. “These bags contain activated carbon which absorbs and deactivates medications making them unusable. The pouches are also safer for the environment and waterways.”, states Richard Drake, Opioid Misuse Prevention Program Coordinator.
For people not wanting or able to go to the law enforcement’s drop off boxes, the health department is partnering with local pharmacies and distributing the Deterra Drug Deactivation Bags. Participating pharmacies include:
- Marion Pharmacy – 26427 Burton Ave, Crisfield, MD 21817
- Crisfield Pharmacy – 347 W Main St Crisfield, MD 21817
- Karemore Pharmacy – 12085 Somerset Ave, Princess Anne, MD 21853
Acceptable deposits for disposal are any expired or unused medication that comes in pill form, capsules or liquid in a bottle. Non-liquid forms of medication can be in the original container or a zip lock baggies. Unacceptable deposits are all medical waste such as needles, lancets, syringes, and razor blades. These should be securely enclosed in a metal or plastic container and thrown in the regular trash.
The Health Department offers these tips to prevent opioid misuse at home:
- Lock up all medication in a cabinet, drawer or medicine safe.
- Avoid leaving medication on the counter or table or within reach of children and pets;
- Store medication in its original container;
- Dispose of medication that has expired or is no longer needed at a Drug Take Back Box or get a free Deterra Bag from the local pharmacy;
- Never share prescriptions drugs.
National Drug Take Back Day is an initiative of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement. In Somerset County, all law enforcement collection sites are open daily for residents to dispose of medications safely and properly. For more information, call the health department at 443-523-1784 or visit UnmaskAddiction.org
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