Rx Drug Take Back Event

Wilkes-Barre, PA, April 02, 2017 --(PR.com)-- The Luzerne County Medical Society is encouraging local citizens to safely dispose of expired medications by attending the 'Prescription Drug Take Back' event this Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Luzerne County Court House.

Nearly 78 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. According to the DEA, medicines in the home are a leading cause of accidental poisoning and flushed or trashed medicines can end up polluting waters. Rates of prescription drug abuse are alarmingly high - over half of teens abusing medicines get them from a family member or friend, including the home medicine cabinet, and often without their knowledge.

“When you look at the staggering number of lives lost and the impact the opioid epidemic has on our community it is hard to ignore this public health emergency,” says Tonyehn Verkitus, the Executive Director of the Luzerne County Medical Society. “As an organization that supports the health of our residents the opioid crisis is a priority for us in 2017.”

Those wishing to dispose of medications may simply 'drive-up' and turn in expired or unused medications safely and conveniently at the court house. The first 100 participants will receive a free ticket to the movies thanks to a generosity of Clear Brook Treatment Centers.

The Luzerne County Medical Society will be on hand to provide resources to help save lives and help addicted individuals and their families get the treatment they need to live long, productive lives.