Thursday May 8th, 2014 is your opportunity to quickly and easily dispose of old and unused prescription medications that you may have in your home. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service will have two locations available for residents to drop off medications that they no longer need.
The misuse and abuse of prescription medication has become a public safety issue for communities and police services across the country, who are working together to draw attention to this public safety concern by participating in the Prescription Drug Drop Off, on Thursday May 8th. The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service will accept unwanted or expired medications to keep them away from individuals for whom they never intended. The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose, and in some cases, death.
There will be two sites and two time frames that residents can dispose of drugs:
- From 10 am to 2 pm in the Station Mall at the former English Butler location
- From 10 am to 12 noon at the Senior Citizens Drop In Centre at 619 Bay Street.
Residents can simply go to either of the designated locations and anonymously drop off unwanted prescription drugs. Police and medical officials urge you to do your part and combat this serious public health threat.
Prescription Drug Drop Off Day is a one-day initiative supported by the Ontario Association of Chief of Police (OACP), Partnership for a Drug Free Canada, and Public Safety Canada. Residents are further reminded that they can return any unwanted or outdated prescription medications to their local pharmacy for safe and secure disposal at any time.
Prescription medications are legal and intended for prescription use under a physician’s supervision. When taken as prescribed, they are safe. It is the misuse of the drug that is dangerous. I urge local residents to dispose of expired/unsafe/replaced medication or contact their pharmacy to find out how to do so safely -Chief Robert Davies.
