DHEC announces ‘Drug Take Back Day’ to dispose of unused medications

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is hosting a statewide ‘Drug Take Back Day’ event on Saturday, April 27.

Held twice a year, ‘Drug Take Back Days’ are events where residents can safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted prescription drugs. From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. South Carolinians will be able to drop off prescription medications at several locations around the state.

Click here to find out where to drop off your prescriptions.

The locations will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes other sharps (devices with sharp points or edges), and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

DHEC announces ‘Drug Take Back Day’ to dispose of unused medications — DHEC announces ‘Drug Take Back Day’ to dispose of unused medications(South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control)

“Properly disposing of unused medications is critical in preventing prescription drug misuse,” said Emma Kennedy, Director of DHEC’s Division of Injury and Substance Abuse Prevention. “Our hope is that these National Prescription Drug Take Back Day events motivate South Carolinians to take this small step in safely getting rid of the medications they no longer need, as well as educating themselves and sharing information about the potentially fatal dangers of misusing prescription drugs. All medicines should only be used as directed.”

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), nearly 50% of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets

For more information, click here.

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