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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 12-21 Maplewood's unused prescription drop box now open MAPLEWOOD REVIEW Maplewood’s unused prescription drop box now open Submitted by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 12:00am A drop-off for unused or unwanted prescription medications is now available at Maplewood City Hall near the police department’s night entrance. The drop box is a collaboration between the Ramsey County Public Health and the police department’s property and evidence unit. In Minnesota and across the nation, there has been widespread concern about the increase of heroin related overdose deaths. The resurgence of heroin abuse appears to be a consequence of what often starts as abuse of prescription pain management and other narcotic medications. When these unused prescription medications remain stored in home medicine cabinets, they can be easily accessed, which can quickly lead to abuse and dependency. Once someone is dependent, heroin, which is highly potent and sometimes deadly, can be less expensive than prescription medications. “We want to get unused or unwanted prescription medications out of the hands of those who might abuse them,” said Tammy Wylie, Maplewood Police Department’s property and evidence technician. “In addition to the prevention benefit, this safe method of disposal keeps medications from entering our water supply as a result of being flushed or disposed of in landfills,” Wylie added. What can be dropped in the box? Any and all unused or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications, including: medication “blister” packages, creams and gels, IV bags, medication patches, sprays, capsules and pills, inhalers, liquids, vials and powders. You do not need to remove the labels from prescription bottles. Privacy is of the highest importance and the labels are never viewed. What is not accepted? Needles or syringes (Sharps) and medications from healthcare facilities, doctors’ offices or veterinary clinics. What happens to the medications? After you make the drop, police department property and evidence staff regularly remove the medications. The medications are kept in the department’s secure evidence room. When a sufficient quantity exists, the medications are boxed, weighed and safely incinerated. What hours can medications be dropped? Maplewood’s medication drop box is available 24 hours a day. The drop box is near the night entrance of the police department on the east side of city hall. Questions? If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to call Maplewood Police Department property and evidence technician Tammy Wylie at 651-249-2559. For other information and drop box locations visit: https://www.ramseycounty.us/medicinecollection.