Safely Dispose of Medications with Drug Take-Back Programs for Poison Prevention

Join The Hamilton County Health Department and their Health Education Specialist, James Ginder, for a Q & A on Poison Prevention.

Why is it crucial to remove unused or expired medications from the home?
Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic, particularly among vulnerable populations such as teenagers. Proper disposal of unneeded medications is a crucial step in preventing prescription drug abuse and opioid addiction as well as accidental ingestion.

What are the recommended methods for removing these medications?
Unwanted and unused medications can be dropped off at drug take-back programs, local pharmacies, and some police stations. Home disposal kits are also available. You should avoid flushing unused medications down the toilet or sink.

What are drug take-back programs, and how can I find one?
The Drug Enforcement Administration hosts two national drug take back events each year – one in April and another in October. This year’s events are scheduled for Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, October 27. These programs provide safe and anonymous disposal options for medications.

How can pharmacies assist in medication disposal?
Many pharmacies offer disposal services, providing a convenient option for safely disposing of unused or expired medications.

How can I learn more?
Join the Hamilton County Health Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, and JRNY Counseling for a FREE Drug Disposal webinar on Wednesday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. The webinar will discuss the importance of medication disposal and offer practical tips for safely removing unwanted medications from the home. Please click here to register.

The Hamilton County Health Department is offering a valuable opportunity for parents and caregivers in the community with their upcoming series of free monthly webinars on children’s health in 2024. Led by experts in the field, these webinars aim to provide valuable information and resources to promote the well-being of children.