Saturday, April 29 marks the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The initiative, which aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications, has helped to discard more than 6.3 million pounds of medications across the U.S. since its inception in 2010.
In recognition, OHSU will host a drug take-back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community members are invited to safely and responsibly dispose of unused or expired medications free-of-charge at the hospital’s Emergency Department located at 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road in Portland.
OHSU experts will be on hand to answer questions, and will accept the following donations:
- Expired or unused prescription medications and samples
- Over-the-counter and off-the-shelf medications
- Vitamins
- Pet medications
- Medicated ointments and liquid medications
- Needles that are capped and placed in a clean, clear, labeled zip lock bag
Items including thermometers, sharps or syringes, IV bags, bloody or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide, aerosol cans, inhalers and EpiPens will not be accepted. It is recommended that event participants recycle empty medication bottles at their home, as recycling services will not be available at the take-back event.
All donations are anonymous. Portland Aerial Tram fare will be waived for those attending the take-back event.
OHSU prescription drug take-back event details:
Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OHSU Emergency Department, Marquam Hill Campus
3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland OR