Sue Kiesewetter reports
Law enforcement agencies across the region are participating in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
On Saturday, dozens of police agencies in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are providing sites for community members to drop off expired, unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
“Prescription drug abuse is a major epidemic across the country and DEA is committed to reducing the potential for misuse by providing a safe and secure method for Americans to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications,” said Michele M. Leonhart, DEA administrator.
This is the fourth national turn-in day since the program began in September 2010.
Nearly a million pounds – almost 500 tons – of prescription drugs were collected during the first three take-back days.
In Clermont County more than 300 pounds of prescription drugs were collected last fall during the third take-back day, said Heidi Nykolayko, director of the Coalition for a Drug Free Clermont County.
Drugs can be turned in 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with no questions asked.
Labels can be soaked off or residents can black out names and prescription numbers.
West Chester location: Officers with the West Chester Police Department will staff the drop-off location at the West Chester Presbyterian Church, 8930 Cincinnati-Dayton Road. No syringes or lancets will be accepted at this drop-off, nor will over-the-counter syrup or liquid medications.
Other Butler County locations: Fairfield – Permanent drop box in police department lobby, 5230 Pleasant Avenue; Fairfield Townshipp. – police station, 6485 Vonnie Vale Court; Hamilton – police department, 331 S. Front Street; Middletown – permanent drop box in police department lobby, 1 Donham Plaza; Monroe – Kroger, 3033 Heritage Green Drive; Oxford – East Park, high and Main streets; Ross Township – police department, 3133 Hamilton-Cleves Road.
