https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/news/local-news-1/14901/medicine-drop-to-collect-unused-pills
The Laurinburg Exchange
Laurinburg
(Note: This article refers to a prescription drug take back event in Laurinburg on April 21st. However, most of these events will occur across the state on April 28th. Check here for more information.)
Scotland County residents will have an opportunity to dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs during Operation Medicine Drop.
The public can bring medications for disposal to the parking lot of Health Innovations of Laurinburg on April 21. Health Innovations is at 901 South Main St.
The service is free, anonymous and no questions will be asked, according to Laurinburg Police Chief Darwin “Duke” Williams.
The Laurinburg Police Department and Scotland County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to help dispose of the mediciations, including over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, samples and pet medications.
Williams said law enforcement will dispose of the medications in the same secure way they dispose of other drug items. Drugs should not be flushed or thrown away in the garbage because they may contaminate water sources.
Medications are the leading cause of child poisoning, with more than 64,000 children going to an emergency room for medicine poisoning each year, according to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide. That’s one child every eight minutes.
The effort is a great way to safely get rid of medications that is unsed or expired,” said Doug Yongue, the pharmasist that owns health innovations. “You won’t have to worry about you aor anyone else accidently taking it.”
Operation Medicine Drop events have retrieved and destroyed approximately 89 million doses of medications at 2,000 events since 2010.
The drop was started through a partnership of the N.C. Department of Insurance and Safe Kids NC, N.C. Department of Justice — Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice — Drug Enforcement Agency, N.C. Department of Public Safety — SBI, the Riverkeepers of N.C. and local law enforcement agencies
Operation Medicine Drop reminds parents and caregivers to do the following:
— Keep medicines locked up and out of reach of children.
— Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages. Only use the dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
— Avoid taking medicine or vitamins in front of kids.
— Medicine should not be referred to as “candy.”
— If you suspect poisoning and a child is choking, collapses, can’t breathe or is having a seizure, call 911. Otherwise, take the product to the phone and call the national Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
For information about Operation Medicine Drop and to find a permanent drop box near you, visit www.ncsafekids.org.
Scott Witten
Editor