Prescription Drug Lock Box now available for Franklin County Residents
Do you have unused prescription medications? Do you know how to get rid of them properly and safely? Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) is pleased to announce a safe, effective and sustainable way to dispose of unwanted or expired household prescription, over-the-counter, and other unused medicines.
Through support from Wal-Mart, HCC purchased a prescription drug lock box to be secured at the Farmington Police Department. The police department, located at 116 Franklin Avenue in Farmington, can now collect unwanted or expired household medicines and prescription medications with a new Prescription Drug Lock Box during regular business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. As part of a community drug collection process, this unit will provide a safe and easy way for Franklin County residents to dispose of their unwanted medications year-round.
In addition, on April 26 the Farmington Police Department will take part in National Drug Take Back Day. All local police departments will be participating in the drug collection.
“4.6% of 9th graders and 6.3% of 12th graders in the Western District have reported to have taken a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription in the past 30 days,” stated Nicole Ditata, HCC’s Healthy Maine Partnership director. “There are serious health risks related to the abuse of prescription drugs and can even result in death if mixed with other substances. If the community actively disposes of prescription drugs when they are no longer needed or have expired, it can help reduce the amount of teen use that may occur.”
Ditata convenes a local Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force that works to educate and help provide assistance to the community about how to properly dispose of medications. She noted parents can help prevent prescription drug abuse by youth in their home by incorporating the following tips: monitor the quantities and control the access of your prescription medications; be a good role model; properly conceal and dispose; and set clear rules about not sharing your or other’s medicines.
For more information about how to properly dispose of unwanted medications, how the Prescription Drug Lock Box works, or other questions contact Christine Bruen at 779-2927 or cbruen@fchn.org.