National Drug Take Back Day at Union Hospital

Gwen Rummell Reporting –

Local organizations are participating in a national Drug Take Back event in April.

On Saturday, April 27^th, medications can be brought to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital’s south entrance from 10 am to 2 pm. A deputy will accept the medications for proper disposal and no name or ID will be requested.

Empower Tusc Coordinator Jodi Salvo says that addiction can cause people to act in harmful ways, which makes it important to get rid of expired or unused medications.

“Unfortunately, we’re living in a time where addiction is a reality and someone that might be addicted to medications, sometimes, is looking for them. You want to get them out of your house and keep your house safe. Young people can often find initiation through the home medicine cabinet. We want to eliminate that opportunity in the community.”

The program also keeps a person or child from getting access and accidentally taking it.

Medication containers should be placed in a transparent plastic bag and the patient’s name on the bottle may be blacked out if desired. Used needles, liquids, or any peroxide-based medications will not be accepted.

Outdated or unwanted medications can also be taken at any time to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office or area police departments.

Takeback locations in surrounding counties include:

Carroll County Sheriff’s Office

Harrison County Sheriff’s Office

Wayne Buehler’s and Rittman IGA

Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office and Health Department

Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office and Riesbeck’s

A full list of locations can be found on www.dea.gov under Take Back Day collection site locator.