Bellin, GBPD to host DEA Medication Drop-off

Event aims to rid homes of unused drugs that can be stolen or abused

Bellin Health, in partnership with the Green Bay Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will present an unused medication drop-off drive-through event from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 on the Bellin Hospital campus.

The event allows area residents to safety dispose of unneeded prescription drugs, inhalers, liquids and over-the-counter medications and creams. Pet medications are also accepted. Needles, syringes and other waste are not accepted.

Individuals are encouraged to bring unused medications to the drop-off site in the parking lot of Bellin’s Medical Arts Building at 704 S. Webster Ave. Signs will direct participants through the makeshift drive-through area at the drop-off site.

The medication drop-off event is being held in conjunction with the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The annual effort aims to rid homes of unused medications, which create a public health and safety concern because they can be stolen, abused or accidentally ingested.

“Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem and this is a great opportunity for folks around the

country to help reduce the threat,” said DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg. “Please clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse.”

About 6.5 million Americans abuse prescription drugs. That’s more than double the number of those using heroin, cocaine and hallucinogens combined, according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In 2011, more than 22,000 Americans died from prescription medication overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To date, DEA Take-Back events have collected more than 4.8 million pounds of drugs. Click here for more information on this national effort.

In addition to the annual Drug Take-Back event, Brown County offers a number of medication drop-off sites for safe and convenient disposal year-round. The sites and hours are:

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office
2684 Development Drive, Bellevue — front desk
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, click here or call (920) 448-4219
No sharps

• Green Bay Police Department
307 S. Adams St., Green Bay — lobby area (use bright orange box)
Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week
For more information, call (920) 448-3200 from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
No sharps

• Village of Hobart Business Office (Hobart residents only)
2990 S. Pine Tree Road, Hobart
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs accepted
No sharps

• Lawrence Town Hall
2400 Shady Court, De Pere
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Any prescription and over-the-counter drugs accepted
No sharps

• De Pere Police Department
335 S. Broadway, De Pere
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Any prescriptions and over-the counter drugs accepted (private persons only)
No sharps, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide or aerosols