On November 5, the departments of Environmental Protection, Conservation and Natural Resources, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and General Services joined representatives of Geisinger unveiled a newly installed prescription drug take-back box in the lobby of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.

The newly installed take-back box is the second of its kind in the State Capitol Complex.

“At a time when the opioid crisis affects each of us, this small act of anonymously disposing unused medication could very well save a loved one from falling victim to the disease of substance use disorder,” said DDAP Secretary Jennifer Smith. “We must come together as a commonwealth for our future Pennsylvanians and proactively make better choices. I encourage everyone to take advantage of their local take-back boxes and make a positive impact in their community.”

Since the inception of Pennsylvania’s drug take-back program in 2016, there has been more than 440,000 pounds of unused, unneeded, and expired prescription medication destroyed with more than 800 take-back boxes established in all 67 counties throughout the Commonwealth.

“Improperly disposed prescription drugs can make their way into our rivers and streams, and it is much better to have unwanted or unneeded drugs safely disposed of through boxes like this one, rather than tossing them in the trash or flushing them down the toilet,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Installing this take-back box is more than just helping the environment, it is also about being a good neighbor and part of the community.”

The prescription take-back box is located just inside the main entrance to the Rachel Carson State Office Building at 400 Market Street in Harrisburg, PA. The Rachel Carson State Office Building is home to DEP and DCNR, and is near the Harrisburg Transportation Center, Harrisburg University, and Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

“The administration takes the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians very seriously,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We’re thrilled that this important resource is located in our building.”

“You can never overstate the value of an effective prescription medication disposal program,” DGS Secretary Curt Topper noted. “Whether it is keeping our waterways pure or keeping prescription drugs out of the hands of those who should not have them, DGS and the Capitol Police are proud to assist in this effort to expand the availability and opportunity for the proper disposal of prescription drugs.” 

Individuals seeking recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). A live chat option is also available online or via text message at 717-216-0905 for those seeking help who may not be comfortable speaking to a helpline operator.

Click Here to find a drug take-back location local near you.

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[Posted: Nov. 5, 2018]

11/12/2018