Cary Take-Back Meds Initiative Begins Today

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) program "National Take-Back Initiative."

The one-day event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, at participating law enforcement sites. The will be an available drop-off. 

According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, approximately 2,500 teens a day use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose (tablets, capsules) medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal. Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps.

Prescription labels should be removed (or personal information blocked out with a permanent marker) from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers. 

To find collection sites near you, go to the DEA's webpage.

Check often as new sites will be added daily.

Many Americans are accustomed to flushing their unused medicines down the toilet or throw them in the trash -- both potential safety and health hazards.

U.S. Geological Survey studies have found traces of prescription drugs in water samples from 30 states which have been linked to ecological harm to fish and freshwater supplies.

Additional information is available from your participating local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH's Solid Waste Manager at (815) 334-4585.

Source: village of Cary