This press release was distributed by the Keizer Police Department on April 21, 2017
Date of event:
Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Locations:
Roth's parking lot: 702 Lancaster Dr NE, Salem
Peace Plaza: 500 Commercial St SE, Salem
Safeway parking lot: 4990 River Rd N, Keizer
In partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Marion County Health Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Salem Police Department and Keizer Police Department, area law enforcement agencies are hosting a prescription drug turn-in event on Saturday, April 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at several locations in the Salem/Keizer area.
This one-day event encourages citizens to properly dispose of expired or unwanted medications at designated collection sites to keep drugs out of the wrong hands and out of the environment. The event educates the public to store medications safely and securely to prevent accidental poisonings, drug abuse, and contamination of our water resources.
When medications are disposed of improperly, it poses risks to community health and safety. Drugs that are insecurely placed in trash receptacles can be scavenged and abused. When drugs are flushed, they are not completely removed by sewage treatment facilities and septic tank systems and can enter the soil, surface water, and groundwater, risking contamination of important resources for drinking water and irrigation. Studies have shown that drugs found in waterways also have a serious impact on fish and other aquatic life.
Medications from deceased family members, unknown tablets and capsules, unneeded prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and veterinary medications may be brought in for proper disposal.
Medications cannot be accepted from businesses such as pharmacies, assisted living facilities, clinics, or institutions. Medications should be in their original containers if possible. Thermometers, needles, and medical waste cannot be accepted.
WHAT TO BRING TO THE COLLECTION:
Expired or unwanted prescription medications
Unneeded over-the-counter medications
Veterinary medications
Medication from deceased family members
Unknown tablets and capsules
ITEMS NOT TO BRING:
Thermometers
Needles/syringes
Medical waste of any type
Non-medication over-the-counter items
Bathroom products (shampoo, hair spray, deodorant, hygiene products)
Bug repellent, leaking liquid containers, nutritional supplements
For more information, please visit www.dea.gov or contact Susan McLauchlin, Prevention Program Coordinator, with the Marion County Health Department at 503-981-5851.
