Medication Collection Day Set April 30

Expired and unused medications can be dangerous if left around the house, but some residents are homebound or otherwise unable to dispose of their medications properly. To curb this problem, county organizations, including the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, and the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, are working together for the third annual Medication Collection Day on April 30, 2016.

On that day, the sheriff’s office will send uniformed officers to the homes of people with mobility or health issues who need to dispose of their unwanted medications but are homebound.

Schedule a pick-up by contacting Sarah Miller of the St Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services at 301-475-4200, ext. 1073, or by emailing [email protected].

This local effort is part of the National Take Back Day, in which Americans have safely discarded more than 350 tons of unused, expired, or unwanted drugs. The program is initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

If drugs are disposed of properly, it is not only better for the environment, but can help prevent the residents from being targets of criminals who wish to steal the drugs.

“In addition to this annual collection day initiative, St. Mary’s County offers the means for safe disposal of unwanted medications every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Capt. Daniel D. Alioto, commander St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office vice and narcotics division, said. “To date, nearly 800,000 unwanted medications, 70 percent of which are controlled dangerous substances, have been destroyed through a partnership with the community.”

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office in Leonardtown has a safe collection box in the front lobby, where residents can dispose safely of unused or expired medications. Any medications can be discarded in the box, and deposits are completely anonymous.

This program is supported by the Behavioral Health Action Team, through the Healthy St. Mary’s Partnership, which is supported by MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital.

BHAT works to improve behavioral health outcomes for all St. Mary’s County residents, whether related to mental health or substance misuse.

For more information on proper medication management, visit the BHAT page.

For more information and one-click access to a full list of resources available at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, visit their Leader member page.