Local News

LOCAL POLICE AND PHARMACIES TAKE BACK UNWANTED Rx DRUGS

Oct 22, 2018

On Oct. 27^th,local police departments and pharmacies along with the Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Since 2010, over 2000 pounds of medications have been disposed of at police departments in Omak, Oroville, and Twisp, and now during regular business hours take back sites are also being offered by Omak Pharmacy in Omak and Lakeside Pharmacy in Oroville.

Take Back Events address a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. So help prevent prescription drug abuse, on October 27^th, by bringing your unwanted medicines to Omak Police Department 8 N. Ash in Omak, Oroville Police Department 1308 Ironwood St in Oroville, or Twisp Police Department 118 S. Glover in Twisp or you can drop off unwanted medications during regular business hours at Omak Pharmacy 903 Engh Rd in Omak or at Lakeside Pharmacy 1117 Main St. in Oroville.

The DEA can’t take needles, liquids or sharps, but please bring pills and patches. This is a free service. No questions asked.

For more information visit www.okcommunity.org or www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov