Get Rid of Those Unused Drugs
Memorial Hospital now has a larger, secure drop box for community members to safely dispose of expired or unused prescribed or over-the-counter medications. The new box is located on the first floor between the gift shop and the cashier’s office.
The smaller original unit has been installed in Team Pharmacy for the exclusive use of Beacon associates. Both units will be monitored and maintained by Memorial Hospital Police Department.
It’s important to dispose of expired or unused medications in your home. Prescription medicines are the most commonly abused substance after marijuana, according to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. In 2014, more than 6.5 million Americans over age 12 reported abusing prescription drugs during the previous month and 4.3 million reported abusing prescription pain relievers. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of deaths from drug overdoses has increased 137 percent since 2000, including a 200 percent increase in the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids (including both opioid pain relievers and heroin).
