BUNKER HILL – Macoupin County residents will be able to dispose of unwanted medications during a drug takeback event at four locations throughout the county on Saturday, April 29.
With opioid, heroin and prescription drug abuse on the rise throughout Illinois, including in rural areas like Macoupin County, it is important that people responsibly dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, public health and law enforcement authorities warn.
The Macoupin County drug takeback is scheduled for 9 a.m. until noon on April 29. It will occur simultaneously at four locations throughout the county:
- Sullivan’s Pharmacy, 101 E. Main St., Staunton
- Michelle’s Pharmacy, 494 West Side Square, Carlinville
- Michelle’s Pharmacy, 120 S. Macoupin St., Gillespie
- Michelle’s Pharmacy, 809 S. Franklin St., Bunker Hill
The event is free and open to the public. Area residents are welcome to drop off unwanted medications at any of the four sites. Items that will be accepted include:
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs from individuals and households
- Schedule II-V controlled drugs
- Prescription waste
- Transdermal patches
- Liquids and ointments
- Items containing sodium bicarbonate or effervescent compounds that must be dissolved first with water
- Items that will not be accepted:
- Hazardous materials
- Hazardous pharmaceuticals
- Medical waste / infectious waste
- Sharps, needles, syringes
- Drugs or waste from hospitals and health facilities
- Radioactive items
- Ignitable materials
- Aerosols
Studies show that most teenagers who abuse prescription drugs get them from home medicine cabinets. Prescription drug addiction leads to increased heroin use.
The drug takeback event is being organized by Senator Andy Manar of Bunker Hill with the help of Michelle’s Pharmacy and Sullivan’s Pharmacy. Co-sponsors include Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl; Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jennifer Watson; the Macoupin County Public Health Department; the Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Gillespie and Staunton police departments; and the Macoupin County Anti-Meth Coalition.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has designated April 29, 2017, as National Prescription Drug Takeback Day in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of disposing of unwanted prescription medication and educating people about prescription drug abuse.