OPP Supports Collection of Unused Prescription Medications

Police Agencies Working Together to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse

ORILLIA, ON, May 2, 2014 /CNW/ - When a physician prescribes medication for a patient, it is only intended for that person.  But sometimes when prescriptions lie around unused or expired, they can end up in the hands of those they are not intended for.

When expired and unused prescription medication is left unattended, it can lead to prescription drug abuse.  Police agencies and health organizations are working together again this year to fight against this public health and safety issue.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be participating in a province-wide initiative that will provide residents an opportunity to dispose of old and unused prescription medications. Prescription Drug Drop Off Day will be held on Saturday May 10, 2014.

The OPP is making more than sixty detachment locations available so that the public can simply and safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medications without exiting their vehicles.  Officers and volunteers will be on hand to take the medications from community members on May 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The public is also reminded that they can drop off any unused medications at any time to their local pharmacist.

"I fully support Prescription Drug Drop Off Day.  In last year's campaign, the OPP received over 330 kilograms of medications from 730 citizens.  I urge all Ontarians with unused medications at home to work together and make our homes safer by participating in the 2014 Prescription Drug Drop Off Day."
Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes, Ontario Provincial Police. 

For a complete list of OPP detachments near you who will be participating in Prescription Drug Drop Off Day, visit opp.ca

#RxDrop2014

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Contacts by OPP Region:

Highway Safety Division    
Sergeant Kerry Schmidt  
Phone [phone]

Central Region    
Sergeant Peter Leon  
Phone [phone]

East Region    
Sergeant Kristine Rae 
Phone [phone]

Northwest Region   
Sergeant Shelley Garr 
Phone [phone]

Northeast Region    
Sergeant Carolle Dionne  
Phone [phone]

West Region    
Sergeant Dave Rektor  
Phone [phone]