Community invited to dispose of unwanted prescriptions, over-the-counter and animal medications
Community invited to dispose of unwanted prescriptions, over-the-counter and animal medications
Lee’s Summit CARES is participating in the National Drug Take-Back Day by sponsoring a community-wide take-back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at four locations.
More than 6 million Americans misuse controlled prescription drugs, according to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study showed that a majority of abused prescriptions are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The National Drug Take-Back Day addresses this crucial public safety and public health issue by helping prevent medication diversion, misuse and abuse.
The public is invited to dispose of medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 26 at four Lee’s Summit locations. Law enforcement officers will be on hand to accept medication at Jackson County Sheriff’s Department Office, 4001 NE Lakewood Court; Lee’s Summit Police Department, 10 NE Tudor Road; Lee’s Summit Medical Center emergency room entrance, 2100 SE Blue Parkway; and Place’s Restaurant at John Knox Village, 1001 NW Chipman Road. A drive-through service at the Lee’s Summit Medical Center emergency room entrance is also available.
Unwanted prescriptions, over-the-counter and animal medications will be accepted. Vaping cartridges and e-cigarette devices without lithium ion batteries will also be accepted. Needles and inhalers will not be accepted. The service is anonymous and free.
Since 2010, Lee’s Summit residents have properly disposed of more than 18,000 pounds of medication through this community program. Lee’s Summit CARES is sponsoring the event in cooperation with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Lee’s Summit Police Department and Lee’s Summit Water Department.
If residents are unable to participate on Oct. 26, they may drop off medications year-round at permanent medication drop boxes in the lobbies of the Lee’s Summit Police Department and Sheriff’s Department and in the emergency rooms of both Lee’s Summit Medical Center and Saint Luke’s East Hospital.
Lee’s Summit CARES is a community coalition dedicated to preventing youth substance use and violence, promoting exemplary character and empowering positive parenting. For more information, visit www.LSCares.org. You may also follow Lee’s Summit CARES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
