UK Pharmacy Students Help in Local Drug Take Back Day Efforts
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2019) — Students at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy joined forces with members of the Lexington Police Department to collect unused, unwanted or expired prescription medication.
In all, the group collected nearly 1,800 pounds of medication from city residents during Drug Take Back Day, a bi-annual event that helps prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says a 2018 national survey showed 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. A majority of abused prescription drugs came from medicine cabinets of family and friends.
“We are at crisis level in the state of Kentucky when it comes to substance use disorder and overdose incidents,” said Trish Freeman, director of the Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice. “Excess supply of unused and unneeded medications should be disposed of so that they do not end up in the hands of someone they could harm.”
Another Drug Take Back day will be scheduled for Lexington in the spring. In the meantime, check with your local pharmacy about dropping off unused prescription drugs. Otherwise, you can drop off any qualified medication Monday through Friday during normal business hours at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 150 N. Limestone, Ste. 236, or at the Lexington Police Headquarters at 150 E. Main.
All of the items accepted are destroyed in an incinerator.
Here is a list of what types of medication are accepted:
- Prescription and over the counter (OTC) pills
- Vitamins
- Medicated ointments and lotions
- Pet medicine
- Some liquids
These items are restricted:
- Needles
- Inhalers
- Thermometers
- Aerosol cans
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Illegal drugs
- Note: You can place used needles inside a coffee can, seal it and then dispose of the can in your household trash.
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