Garrett County residents turned in about 120 pounds of medications during the most recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 28, which was more than the combined total collected during the two previous Take-Back events, according to a county health department spokesperson. Garrett County agencies teamed up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to participate in the national event. The DEA reported collecting a record-breaking 552,161 pounds, or 276 tons, of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites available across the country.
Support the Republican Newspaper! It’s only $9.95/year for the online edition!
In Garrett County, personnel from the sheriff’s office and the health department collected expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs at six sites. The event is designed to dispose of medicines that may be in home cabinets, and that have the potential to be misused and abused. The theme of the day was: “The streets aren’t the only place kids find drugs. Mind your meds!” The rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is high, the spokesperson said, with more Americans currently abusing prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that individuals who abuse prescription drugs often obtain them from family and friends, and from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of unused medicine, often flushing pills down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards. Garrett County’s Take-Back events were sponsored by the sheriff’s office, Drug Free Communities Coalition, and the health department. For information about future events, persons may call the health department at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.
More here.
Buying or selling real estate in Garrett County or Deep Creek Lake, Maryland? Call Jay Ferguson of Railey Realty for all of your real estate needs! I take great pride in referrals, and I assure you, I will take great care of your friends, family & colleagues!
 |
| Search real estate for sale at Deep Creek Lake & Garrett County |
