Prescription Take-Back event Oct. 29 in Beach Park

The Coalition for Healthy Communities, Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center and the Lake County Sheriff's Department are participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration's third National Prescription Drug Take-Back event on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Beach Park Village Hall, 11270 W. Wadsworth Road in Beach Park.

During this time, the public is encouraged to drop off expired medications, which will be collected and incinerated.

"During a Take-Back event last spring, Zion-Benton area residents turned in nine 30 gallon trash bags full of unwanted or expired medications in a four-hour period of time," said Cheri Ditzig, Zion Township Supervisor and a Coalition for Healthy Communities board member. "With the support and hard work of our local law enforcement and community partners, these events have not only dramatically reduced the risk of prescription drug diversion and abuse, but have also increased awareness of this critical public health issue."

Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show that teens who abuse prescription drugs often obtain them from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing it down the toilet or throwing it away - both potential safety and health hazards.

The following items are acceptable for disposal at the October event:

* Expired solid prescription drugs

* Unwanted or unused prescription drugs

* Over-the-counter drugs (pills)

* Controlled and non-controlled substances

* Vitamins and supplements (pills)

Items not acceptable for disposal at the October event:

* Liquid products

* Syringes

* Intravenous solutions

* Injectable drugs

For more information on this event, contact the Drug Free Communities Program at (847) 731-2658.