The Frederick Police Department in partnership with Whitesell’s Pharmacy, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the Maryland Nurses’ Association District 8, will be hosting a “Medication Turn-In”:
event on Saturday, April 28th at the following locations and times:
• Harry Grove Stadium from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Walmart (Rt. 26) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
During the “Medication Turn-In” event on April 28th, citizens are encouraged to drop off unused and expired medications. Medications will be placed in a secure container by a police officer. Those who are concerned about privacy should remove all personally identifiable information from medicine bottles or containers.
Items that will be accepted are: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, medical samples, medications for pets, and vitamins.
Items that will NOT be accepted are: oxygen tanks, thermometers, IV bags, blood or infectious waste, aerosol cans, and business waste.
The Frederick Police Department has seen an increase in prescription drug abuse over the past several years and hope this program will encourage citizens to properly dispose of unused medications. This program will accomplish three things: Provide citizens a safe and environmentally friendly method of medication disposal and reduce the amount of prescription medication that may fall into the wrong hands for illegal purposes. To make this program a success the Frederick Police Department is partnering with our community, local businesses, and federal authorities to prevent the availability of drugs for illegal use and ensure Frederick remains a premier community to live, work and visit.
According to the National Pharmacist Community Association, there is an estimated 250 million pounds of unused medications being improperly disposed of annually. This program will provide citizens a safe, legal and environmentally acceptable way to dispose of medications.
In the past year, Frederick residents have turned in hundreds of pounds of medications during these events leading the entire region in the proper disposal! It is another way that our partners and citizens join together to make Frederick a better place.
For more information regarding the Medication Turn-In Program please contact: OFC Rebecca Carrado at 301-600-6236 or Anne Marie at 301-662-4848.