Hamilton County is preparing for its upcoming National Drug Take Back Day to combat prescription drug misuse. According to the Hamilton County, the event, organized by the Hamilton County Council on Alcohol & Other Drug, is set for October 26 at Riverview Health in Noblesville's far east parking lot, across from Federal Hill Commons on State Road 32. As efforts to prevent medication misuse increase, Executive Director Monica Greer emphasizes the importance of this event, noting that most people who misuse prescription drugs obtain them from friends and family.
In a statement obtained by Hamilton County, Monica Greer said, "The simple step of clearing out medications that are no longer needed makes our homes safer, prevents prescription drug misuse, and can help save lives." The significance of Drug Take Back Day is emphasized by a statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that 107,543 people died from drug overdoses in the United States last year. While this represents the first annual decrease in drug overdose deaths since 2018, the fight against drug addiction remains ongoing.
A collaborative effort led by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, in partnership with law enforcement agencies, has resulted in the removal of over 18.5 million pounds of medication from circulation since 2010. Greer is strengthening her call to action, reminds us that "The only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist." She goes on to explain that old and unwanted medications "too often becomes a gateway to addiction," emphasizing the critical importance of such events in addressing U.S. overdose rates, as stated by the Hamilton County.
On the day of the event, Hamilton County residents can dispose of expired or unused medications from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, liquids, sharps, or needles will not be accepted. For those who cannot participate, local pharmacies, hospitals, and police departments offer safe medication disposal options throughout the year, as mentioned by the Hamilton County.
