6/3/2010 - NEWS ADVISORY
City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.portlandmaine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Time to Clean Out the Medicine Cabinet!
Public Health Division hosts a medication collection drive for over-the-counter and prescription drugs

What: Next month, the city of Portland’s Public Health Division and the Cumberland District Public Health Council will host its second medication collection drive for unused or expired medications including vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, and veterinary drugs. Last year, more than two hundred pounds of non-controlled/over-the-counter medications, one thousand five hundred milliliters of liquid medications, and nearly three thousand controlled prescription pills/patches with an estimated street value of $150,000 were collected. Based upon the success of the event, this year’s collection has been expanded to two days and includes Gorham and Bridgton locations.

The public is encouraged to sort through their medicine cabinet and bring in expired drugs or medications no longer needed or used by the household. The event is designed to raise awareness of proper disposal methods for medications, the risks associated with leaving expired medications in the home and the consequences of disposing of medications improperly by flushing them or throwing them in the trash. If not properly disposed of, these medications could be used illegally, cause accidental poisoning or end up in a waste system not designed to remove pharmaceuticals.

Medications should be brought in their original containers/packages if possible. Individual privacy will be protected by removing any personal information. Labels should not be removed before drop-off as they identify substances/drug classes. Participation is free. Durable medical equipment, thermometers or needles will not be accepted.

This event is made possible by the participation of the Bridgton Police Department, the City of Portland, Health & Human Services Department, Public Health Division, the City of Portland Police Department, the Cumberland District Public Health Council, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Gorham Police Department, Gorham/Westbrook TRIAD, Healthy Portland, Merrimack River Medical Services, People’s Regional Opportunity Program, and the University of New England, College of Pharmacy.

When: Friday, June 4, 2010
7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: University of New England, College of Pharmacy; 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland
Gorham Public Safety Building; 720 Main Street, Gorham

When: Saturday, June 5, 2010
8:00 AM to Noon
Where: University of New England, College of Pharmacy; 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland
Gorham Public Safety Building; 720 Main Street, Gorham
Bridgton Community Center; 15 Depot Street, Bridgton

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