Monday, October 20, 2014

Sheriff’s Office Offering Medication Collection at Health Fair


Hollywood, Maryland - The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office will offer a prescription collection service at the annual Health Fair: "The Way to Wellness" being held on Friday, October 24th at the Southern Maryland Higher Education Center located at 44219 Airport Road from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Admission is FREE. 

This service will allow citizens to safely dispose of unwanted and/or expired medications. This is a safe and eco-friendly way to dispose of your medications. Toxins from drugs that are disposed of into landfills or down toilets and sinks can pollute the environment and pose health hazards.

What medications can be collected?
All non-prescription over the counter medications, prescription medications, and pet medications; in the form of pills, liquids, ointments, and lotions will be accepted. Syringes, inhalers (containing medications in aerosol canisters), and chemotherapy drugs either in IV liquid or oral form WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  

Information will also be available relating to prescription medications and opiates.

"We really encourage people in the community to dispose of medications properly. Failing to dispose of medications properly will not only damage the environment, but can also make you a target for crime. This event will work two-fold; we will not just collect expired medications, but we will also have deputies educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications. We are making this a priority by offering this service at the Health Fair, in addition to the 24/7 drop-off located at the Sheriff’s Office. We are hoping to expand this service to those in the community with a moderate or severe disability that prevents them from disposing of their medications at our 24/7 disposal in the future" -- Captain Daniel Alioto, Commander, Vice Narcotics Division

The Health Fair will offer activities, screenings, and exhibits aimed at promoting health and wellness for all ages. No pre-registration is required. 

Reminder: Citizens can continue to drop off their unwanted medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the collection box located inside the lobby of Sheriff's Office Headquarters located at 23150 Leonard Hall Drive in Leonardtown. 


For more information, contact Jennifer Stone at 301.475.4200 X 1073. For more information visit, www.stmarysmd.com/aging or like and share the Facebook page, keyword: Way to Wellness.