I wrote about Operation Medicine Cabinet a few entries ago – it’s the program dedicated to properly destroying unused and expired prescription medication. This prevents the drugs from being misused, stolen, flushed down the toilet or merely thrown in the trash.
Well, according to state Department of Justice, the program collected 1,300 pounds of prescription drugs statewide on June 5. That’s quite a haul!
Here’s the press release:
HELENA – The first statewide prescription drug drop-off day held June 5 netted 1,312 pounds of old and unused drugs, Attorney General Steve Bullock announced Wednesday.
“Thanks to the 2,100 Montanans who cleaned out their medicine cabinets and brought their old medications to a drop-off site, last Saturday’s event was a huge success,” Bullock said. “The 1300-plus pounds of prescription drugs that were brought in have been safely disposed of, so they can’t ever be stolen or misused.”
Bullock credited the many local agencies and volunteers who helped organize the event in 31 communities throughout the state.
“‘Operation Medicine Cabinet’ was a success because more and more Montanans are becoming aware that prescription drug misuse and diversion is a serious health concern,” Bullock said. “One of the best ways we can prevent it is to make sure we don’t have old medications lying around that can be diverted to inappropriate and illegal uses.”
For additional information and future take-back days, visit the Department of Justice website at www.doj.mt.gov/rxabuse or contact the campaign coordinator.