Prescription Drug Drop Off Day

Police Urge Residents to Dispose of Unused Prescription Meds

ORILLIA, ON, May 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Saturday May 10, is the day that you can easily dispose of outdated and unused prescription medications that you may have in your home. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is working with medical agencies across the province, encouraging citizens to help combat prescription drug abuse.

Many OPP detachments in every corner of the province are ready to accept unwanted or expired medications to keep them away from individuals whom they were never intended for.  The improper storage and disposal of prescription narcotics and other controlled substances remains a public health and safety issue.

Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday May 10, residents can simply drive to any of the designated OPP locations and anonymously drop off unwanted drugs on Prescription Drug Drop Off Day. 

Opioids are prescription medications that cause a morphine-like effect and are usually prescribed for severe pain.  Opioid misuse results when they are used in ways other than intended by the physician who has prescribed them.  According to a study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, about twelve percent of students in Grades 7 - 12 reported using a prescription opioid pain reliever non-medically.  This number represents about 120 thousand students.

"Of the 120 thousand young people who said they have used opioid pain relievers to get high, 70 percent of them said they got the medication from home. These statistics are alarming. By working with our community partners, we see the ability for organizations like public health, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies to work together to reduce the harm of illegal use of prescription medication. The OPP fully supports this program as just one more way to reduce the threat to public safety." - Deputy Commissioner Scott Tod, Ontario Provincial Police

For a list of participating OPP detachments near you, visit opp.ca or contact your local OPP detachment.

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]