Health

Ochsner Take Back Drug Initiative Set for September 29th: Expired/Unused Drugs Being Collected

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Submitted by Ochsner Medical Center
    With cold and flu season quickly approaching, now is the time to clean out overstocked medicine cabinets containing expired or unused medications.  Ochsner Health System is providing a safe way to that by hosting a Take Back Initiative on Saturday, September 29th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  All controlled, uncontrolled and over-the-counter medications will be collected and appropriately disposed of.  Syringes and injectables will not be accepted.   
     Anyone wishing to dispose of their medications can simply drop them off at the following location:
Ochsner Health Center
16777 Medical Center Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
Physician Plaza 1, first building on the left under the overhang
Everyone is encouraged to remove any identifying information from medication bottles before disposing of them. 
     “Ochsner offers this service twice a year in partnership with local law enforcement officials. The program is anonymous and no questions will be asked of those dropping off medications,” says Andy Boothe, Ochsner Medical Center – Baton Rouge Pharmacy Director.    
     Boothe says the fall is a perfect time to clean out and organize the family medicine cabinet in order to be prepared for this winter’s illnesses. He says even common medications such as cough syrups have a shelf life and should be disposed of properly.  “Many people think the proper method of disposing of medications is to simply flush them down the toilet.  However, studies have shown that flushed drugs can eventually end up in the public water system,” says Boothe.  Boothe adds that proper disposal, such as dropping medications off at a Take Back site, can help ensure that drinking water remains clean for area families.
    The National Take Back Initiative was started by the DEA in September of 2010 in response to the increasing rate of prescription medication abuse in America.  According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, approximately 2,500 teenagers abuse these medications daily.  The goal of the Take Back Initiative is to remove these substances from homes where they are easily accessible. 
     For more information on the Ochsner Take Back Drug Initiative log on to www.ochsner.org/drugtakeback.
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