SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL:

The Office of National Drug Control Policy is encouraging Prescription Drug Take-Back events as a state-level action to address prescription drug abuse.

“A comprehensive plan to address prescription drug abuse must include proper disposal of unused, unneeded, or expired medications.  Providing individualså with a secure and convenient way to dispose of controlled substances will help prevent diversion and abuse of these substances and demonstrate sound environmental stewardship.”

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.  Prescription drug abuse rates in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

On Thursday, August 25, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Brantley Police Department and SpectraCare Health Systems will work together to help people rid their homes of potentially harmful expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. By doing this we will combat prescription drug misuse and abuse, as well as protect our environment.  Flushing medications or throwing them in the trash can contaminate our water and landfills.

Simply bring your medications to the Brantley Police Department at 10 Martin Luther King Dr. in Brantley, Alabama, and we will ensure proper disposal.  This is a free, anonymous service for the community.  Just drop it off and go. No questions asked. We will make sure all of your personal information is removed. For more information, call SpectraCare Health Systems’ Prevention Services at 334-673-2143.