Residents Encouraged to Check Their Medicine Cabinets

Wednesday October 20, 2021

Saturday, October 23rd, is National Take Back Day.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency encourages all residents to check their medicine cabinets for expired or unused medications.

Expired or unused medications are a leading cause of accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. Non-medical use of prescription medications ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in the United States. The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from friends, family and the medicine cabinet.

Medications should not be thrown in the trash where they could be retrieved and abused or sold. Unused medications that are flushed could contaminate the water supply. The best way to protect your family, friends, and environment is to use a drug take-back program.  Local law enforcement, Sheriff’s offices, pharmacies, and some hospitals take back medication for proper disposal. If you are unable to locate an agency to take your medications, take the medicine out of the bottle and mix it with something unappealing like used kitty litter or coffee grounds. Seal them in a bag or disposable container and throw that away.

If you or someone you love has a concern about prescription drug abuse, call 800-781-0353 in Branch and St. Joseph Counties or 844-405-3095 in Hillsdale County.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency is committed to promoting wellness, preventing disease, providing health care, and protecting the environment.