Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: 09-05-2018
On Saturday, October 27, the Westmont Police Department will host two drug take back events as part of the National DEA-sponsored Drug Take Back Day. In partnership with Westmont Pharmacy volunteers, Mariano’s and Cardinal Health, the events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westmont Police Department on 500 N. Cass Avenue, and Mariano’s in Westmont at 150 W. 63rd Street.
Drug take-back programs focus on collecting unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs. Pills, powders and patches will be accepted at both locations; however, needles will ONLY be accepted at the Westmont Police Department collection site, and must be secured in a Sharps container. Members of the Westmont Police Department will be on-site to receive all medications delivered and will ensure safe disposal of these drugs.
The program will not accept radioactive medicines, liquids, creams, inhalers, or EpiPens. To learn about how to safely dispose of medicines not accepted at the event, the DuPage County Health Department has helpful resources available at http://www.dupagehealth.org/rxbox.
“This program is committed to reducing substance abuse and preventing potentially dangerous drugs from entering the freshwater supply. Pharmacists will be on-site at both locations to assist residents with any medication-related questions they may have. ” said Deputy Police Chief Stephen Thompson. “We want to thank Westmont Pharmacy volunteers, Mariano’s staff and Cardinal Health for partnering with us.”
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 54 percent of those who misused prescription drugs obtained them from a friend or relative. The Geisinger Center for Health Research found that only about 11 percent of unused medication is disposed of properly. Further, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine recommends the need for improved consumer access to convenient and year-round drug take-back opportunities to reduce the amount of unused medications available for misuse.
For more information regarding Westmont’s participation in this program, contact Deputy Chief Stephen Thompson at sthompson@westmont.il.gov or 630-981-6371.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/PIO
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
