In observance of National Take Back Day, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office will collect expired or unused prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p..m Saturday, April 30, at its offices at 123 County Way in Farmington, according to a news release from Healthy Community Coalition.

Keeping medications after they have expired or are no longer needed can lead to serious problems. Prescription medication left in the bathroom, a nightstand or on the kitchen counter is easy for children to access.

“It’s important to treat your prescription drugs as you would cash and lock them up,” said Nicole Ditata, Healthy Community Coalition program director for the organization’s Drug Free Communities grant, in the release.

Nationally, more than 60,000 young children a year end up in the emergency department because they got into medication when their parent or caregiver was not looking. Nearly 15 percent of Maine teens said they have taken a prescription drug not prescribed to them — sometimes from a family member.

In addition to the National Take Back Day event, there are also two med return boxes available in Franklin County, one at the Farmington Police Department and one at the Jay Police Department. Residents can drop off their expired or unused prescription medication any time during normal business hours at either location.

Along with prescription drugs, residents can also dispose of expired over-the-counter medication, vitamins, and pet medication during the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Take Back event and in the med return boxes. Please note that liquids, gels, inhalers or needles are not accepted for the Take-Back event or the med return boxes.

For more information or to learn how to safely dispose of medications, contact Healthy Community Coalition Program Coordinator Lorri Brown at 779-2409 or ljbrown@fchn.org.


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