The Fulton County Sheriff's Office partnered with Woodlawn Health on Saturday, April 26, to give the public an opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
The collection event coincided with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The sheriff's office reports collecting more than 375 pounds of unused, unwanted or expired medication during the last 6 months. As a reminder, these medications can be dropped off 24/7 in a collection box located in the lobby of the sheriff's office at 2006 Sweetgum Road.
"The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," the DEA states. "Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs."
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides information on how to properly dispose of prescription drugs. More information is available here.
For more information about the Take Back Day event, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.
May primary ballots set for Vermillion County
SW Parke identifies 'Big Five' themes for Revision Project
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
