Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Brought to you by Mercy Health

Saturday, April 27 is the annual Drug Take Back initiative that once again encourages the safe and proper disposal of medications.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse and medications.

Prescription medications are a necessary and important facet of staying healthy, but they can be harmful if taken incorrectly or by the wrong people.

Events such as Drug Take Back Day and initiatives such as medication drop boxes, similar to ones at several Mercy Health Youngstown locations, offer the public the peace of mind in knowing they can safely dispose of medicine they no longer need.”

Mercy Health offers three permanent drop-box locations throughout the Valley, located at the St. Elizabeth Youngstown, St. Elizabeth Boardman and St. Joseph Warren emergency rooms.

In order to help prepare you for Drug Take Back Day, here are just a few tips on what to consider when dropping off medications:

• Accepted medications include vitamins, pills and pet medications.

• Needles, inhalers, liquids, lotions, aerosols, ointments and creams are not accepted.

• Items left in the receptacles are kept secure and confidential. While some prefer to remove the label, it is not required.

• Never flush your unwanted or expired medications, as it is harmful to the environment. The medication take-back program provide a disposal option that is safe and environmentally friendly.

• While many use this service for their own medications, it’s also helpful for families and caregivers who need a safe place to dispose of medications for loved ones.

The medication drop boxes located at Mercy Health, are open 24 hours because they are located inside the main emergency room entrances.

They can be found at the following:

• Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, 1044 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown

• Mercy Health – St. Joseph Warren Hospital, 667 Eastland Avenue SE, Warren

• Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital, 8401 Market Street, Boardman

Disposing of expired or unused medications can be simple, yet impactful in helping to keep our community healthy and safe. Don’t just let this one-day serve as a reminder of proper medication disposal. Think about it every day.