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Prevent Medicine Abuse in Barron County: New Med. Drop Boxes Available for Safe Disposal

Prevent Medicine Abuse in Barron County: New Med. Drop Boxes Available for Safe Disposal

October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. Two out three people who misuse prescription drugs report getting them from friends or relatives according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. Barron County Community Coalition would like to take this opportunity to encourage residents to prevent medicine abuse by safely disposing of your unused and expired medications. 

Barron County is now home to seven permanent medication drop boxes. Two new drop boxes have been added at Ohde Pharmacy in Chetek and at Cameron Police Department. People can bring their medications to these drop boxes for safe and confidential disposal. 

“We are proud to say that we have expanded the number of drug drop boxes in Barron County. This makes it easier for people to deposit medications throughout the year so they don’t have to wait for a take-back day,” says Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald.  “When you bring your medications to a drop box, you are keeping your home, community, and environment safe.”

Barron County Drop Box Locations: 

  • Barron County Justice Center - Open 24/7
  • Cameron Police Department - Open during business hours
  • Cumberland Police Department - Open 24/7
  • Marshfield Clinic Pharmacy- Rice Lake - Open 24/7
  • Ohde Pharmacy - Chetek - Open during business hours
  • Rice Lake Police Department - Open 24/7
  • Turtle Lake Police Department - Open 24/7

“Medication drop boxes are a safe, effective, and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted or expired prescription, over-the-counter, and other unused medications,” says Sarah Turner, Prevention Specialist for the Barron County Community Coalition. “We encourage community members to look through your medications and bring all unused and expired ones to a drop box near you for disposal.”

Items that are accepted at Barron County medication drop boxes:

  • Prescription medications
  • Controlled and non-controlled medications
  • Over the counter medications
  • Medication samples
  • Vitamins
  • Medicated ointments/lotions
  • Inhalers

Items that are not accepted:

  • Sharps (needles, syringes, lancets, etc.)*
  • Liquid medications
  • Thermometers
  • IV bags
  • Bloody or infectious waste
  • Personal care products
  • Empty containers
  • Aerosol cans
  • Business waste

*Please contact Barron County Public Health for safe and secure sharps disposal options: 715-537-5691, extension 6442

For more information about Barron County medication drop boxes, please visit the Barron County Community Coalition website at: www.bc3coalition.org/medreturn/

Last Update: Oct 20, 2017 1:21 pm CDT

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