Prescription drug drop-off day set

NEWS RELEASE

TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE

*************************
The Timmins Police Service, in partnership with the Porcupine Health Unit, will host the annual Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017. The annual event was created to raise awareness about the proper disposal of medication.

It will also serve to reduce the likelihood of prescription medication coming into the hands of those who should not have it, such as young people and the criminal element. Disposing of old, expired, or unwanted prescription medications by throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet is harmful for the environment.

In 2016, the event saw 73 lbs. of unwanted prescription medication collected and disposed of by the Timmins Police Service. The drugs collected include opiates and barbiturates, as well as over-the-counter medication. These medications, when used by individuals who do not possess a prescription, can be extremely dangerous, and even deadly.

“This event is two-fold for us, as a police service,” explained TPS Inspector Rick Blanchette. “It raises awareness about the proper disposal of unwanted medication, and it is also a step forward in addressing the problems associated with prescription drug abuse in Timmins.”

The Timmins Police Service is asking residents to check their medicine cabinets for any expired, or unwanted medication, and drop it off at the Timmins Police Service on Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. The event will run from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

*************************