BATTLE MOUNTAIN - Lander County Community Health is organizing its first prescription drug take-back event on Saturday, April 27. This event coincides with the sixth National Take-Back initiative organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
According to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than six million Americans abuse prescription drugs.
That same study revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet.
The last five take-back events have removed more than 2 million pounds (1,018 tons) of prescription medications from circulation. Lander County Community Health has organized this event to reduce the availability of prescription drugs in the community by providing citizens a safe way to dispose of any unused and unwanted medications.
Lander County Community Health has partnered with the Frontier Community Coalition, Jacob's Well Youth Center, the Lander County Sheriff's Office, the Lander County Youth Team, Battle Mountain General Hospital, Lander County Ambulance Service, Mills Pharmacy, the Lander County Safety Committee, the Nevada Highway Patrol and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) to hold this event in Lander County.
The Frontier Community Coalition and the Lander County Safety Committee have made financial contributions to purchase health-related incentives for residents participating in the round up. Mills Pharmacy is also committed to contributing to incentives for participants.
Historically, the closest drop- off location for unused or expired medication has been Sparks - 164 miles away. This event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal for Lander County residents.
Two sites will remain open simultaneously from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Southern Lander County residents can drop off at the ambulance station, 155 Main St. in Austin, and northern Lander County residents can drop off at Jacob's Well Youth Center, 870 S. Broad St.) in Battle Mountain.
Unused or expired prescription, non-prescription (over the counter) and pet medications in pill, liquid or cream form will be accepted at both drop-off locations on April 27. Residential sharps will also be collected at each site.
If you have any questions about this event, please contact Brenda Keller, RN, at Lander County Community Health, (775) 635-2386.
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