From Harford County government:
On Saturday, October 29, 2011, Harford County once again participated in the Nationwide Prescription Drug Take Back Day with great success. Two hundred individuals participated in the event, resulting in 450 pounds of unused or expired medicines being turned in to be properly disposed of and destroyed. This is significant in addressing the alarming rate of drug overdoses relating to prescription and over the counter medicines. Nationally, an estimated 6.2 million Americans over the age of 12 years old reported misusing prescription drugs. Locally last year, 80% of the drug and alcohol overdose deaths of Harford County residents were related to prescription drug overdoses.
Harford County Executive David R. Craig is proud of the citizens who participated in the prescription drug take back events. “The medicines that were turned in will not get in the hands of someone who could abuse them and the drugs will be disposed of properly, without harm to the environment.”
The Harford County Department of Community Services Office of Drug Control Policy staff and Harford County Sheriff Deputies worked hand in hand with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agents to coordinate the local event to address the devastation that local prescription drug abuse is having in Harford County. Carl Kotowski, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Baltimore Office, also participated and hopes that other jurisdictions mirror Harford County’s effort in prescription drug take back initiatives.
Joseph Ryan, the manager for the Office of Drug Control Policy hopes the Prescription Take Back events enhance the level of awareness concerning the dangers of prescription drug abuse, especially among our youth.
For more information about prescription drug abuse contact the Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy at odcp@harfordcountymd.gov or 410-638-3333.
The Harford County Office of Drug Control Policy is a division within the Department of Community Services. The Harford County Department of Community Services was established in 1979 via Executive Order and works daily to meet the needs of our seniors, youth, persons with disabilities and those struggling to overcome addiction. The Department works with federal, state, local and private agencies to ensure our county continues to evolve and remains dedicated to providing the best possible services for our citizens and community.
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