It’s time to sort through your medicine cabinets and check the dates on your prescriptions and get rid of unwanted or outdated medications.
Oct. 22 is a National Drug Take Back Day, when residents are encouraged to turn in prescription medicines to local police departments for proper disposal.
While some departments, such as Keene Police Department, have a year-round dedicated drug take-back box, for most departments in the area, the only time to turn in such medications is during dedicated take-back times. The departments cannot accept liquids or needles, only pills or patches.
Peterborough Police Department is in the midst of communicating with the Drug Enforcement Administration to install its own permanent drop-box. Monadnock Community Hospital recieved a $8,800 gift from the Peterborough Chapter of 100+ Women Who Care for the purpose of purchasing, installing and maintaining a permanent prescription drug take-back box.
According to the DEA, studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including by means of the home medicine cabinet. Be aware of what is in your medicine cabinet. Disposal methods such as flushing medicines down the toilet are not advised, as it may lead to contamination of the local water supply. On Oct. 22, residents may drop off unwanted medications at the Mason, Wilton, Peterborough and Jaffrey police departments between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 244 or at asaari@ledgertranscript.com