When a physician prescribes medication for a patient, it is only intended for that person. But sometimes when prescriptions lie around unused or expired, they can end up in the hands of those they are not intended for.
When expired and unused prescription medication is left unattended, it can lead to prescription drug abuse. Police agencies and health organizations are working together again this year to fight against this public health and safety issue.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be participating in a province-wide initiative that will provide residents an opportunity to dispose of old and unused prescription medications. Prescription Drug Drop Off Day will be held on Saturday May 10, 2014.
The OPP is making more than sixty detachment locations available so that the public can simply and safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications without exiting their vehicles. Officers and volunteers will be on hand to take the medications from community members on May 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The public is also reminded that they can drop off any unused medications at any time to their local pharmacist.
“I fully support Prescription Drug Drop Off Day. In last year’s campaign, the OPP received over 330 kilograms of medications from 730 citizens. I urge all Ontarians with unused medications at home to work together and make our homes safer by participating in the 2014 Prescription Drug Drop Off Day.” – Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes, Ontario Provincial Police.
Currently SaultOnline has been able to confirm that the following detachments in our area will be participating:
- Elliot Lake – 47 Hillside Drive North
- Wawa – 40 Broadway Avenue
The Sault Ste. Marie Detachment will be teaming up with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services for an earlier event to be held on Thursday May 8th.
For a complete list of OPP detachments near you who will be participating in Prescription Drug Drop Off Day, visit opp.ca
