Auburn Hills, MI – April 10, 2018
Representatives from prevention coalitions in Oakland County will be on hand at local law enforcement agencies on Saturday, April 28, 2018, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 15th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Thanks to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s Operation Medicine Cabinet® (OMC), and in cooperation with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (ACHC) 19 local prevention coalitions, there are 36 permanent OMC drop-off sites, including 13 Sheriff’s Office locations and 22 additional law enforcement locations around the County.
“Proper disposal of unused or expired prescription drugs is one important way we can address the epidemic of opioid abuse. We remain committed to the safety of our seniors, our young people, and the environmental implications of improper disposal.” said Sheriff Bouchard. “Whether it is the DEA’s Take Back Day or dropping your prescriptions at one of the year-round Operation Medicine Cabinet® sites, please dispose of your prescriptions properly and keep them out of the hands of unauthorized users.”
Last year’s Take Back event in April 2017, Oakland County collected and destroyed 3, 507 pounds. For drop box locations and times of operation visit: Operation Medicine Cabinet Oakland County locations.
Rep. Sandy Levin, a long-time supporter of Oakland County prevention coalitions said, “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a vital effort that spotlights the danger of prescription drug abuse and helps keep our communities safer by promoting their proper disposal. Working together, the ACHC and the Sheriff’s Office continue to make this effort more successful and I applaud their steadfast efforts.”
Rates of prescription drug misuse and opiate overdoses are rising at an alarming rate. Safe disposal of expired or unneeded prescription drugs is vital to keeping dangerous medications out of the hands of the youth, and curbing this epidemic. More information on prescription drug misuse prevention can be found at www.doyourpart.info
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