Nelson Police urge residents to dispose of unused meds Saturday
By Contributor
Saturday (May 21) is an opportunity for the public to quickly and easily dispose of old and unused prescription medications that you may have in your home said Nelson Police Sgt Dino Falcone said in a media release.
“All Pharmacies in the City of Nelson are equipped for residents to drop off medications that they no longer need,” Falcone said.
“The misuse and abuse of prescription medication has become a public safety issue for communities and police services across the country, who are working together to draw attention to this public safety concern by participating in the Prescription Drug Drop Off Day on Saturday, May 21.”
Falcone said People’s, Safeway, Remedy’s, Shoppers, Walmart and Pharmasave will accept unwanted or expired medications to keep them away from individuals for whom they were never intended.
The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose and, in some cases, death.
“Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, residents can simply go to any of the designated location(s) and anonymously drop off unwanted drugs,” he said. “Police and medical officials urge you to do your part to combat this serious public health threat.”
“Prescription Drug Drop Off Day” is a one-day initiative supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police, Partnership for a Drug Free Canada, Health Canada and Public Safety Canada.
Residents are further reminded that they can return any unwanted or outdated prescription medications to their local pharmacy for safe and secure disposal at any time.
Prescription medications are legal and intended for prescription use under a physician’s supervision. When taken as prescribed, they are safe. It is the misuse of the drug that is dangerous.
Local residents are encouraged to dispose of expired/unused/replaced medication or contact their pharmacy to find out how to do so safely.
