Dispose of unwanted medicines on ‘National Drug Take-back Day’ April 27

Unintentional poisonings are at a record high in Snohomish County. The most recent information shows that, in 2011, the number of such poisonings affected 150 county residents, more than triple the 46 reported in 2000. You can help reduce the chance of unintentional poisonings by disposing of your unwanted medicines on National Drug Take-back Day on Saturday, April 27, at multiple locations in Snohomish County.

April 23, 2013 3:56 am

Unintentional poisonings are at a record high in Snohomish County. The most recent information shows that, in 2011, the number of such poisonings affected 150 county residents, more than triple the 46 reported in 2000. You can help reduce the chance of unintentional poisonings by disposing of your unwanted medicines on National Drug Take-back Day on Saturday, April 27, at multiple locations in Snohomish County.

“Unintentional poisonings frequently involve prescription drugs,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Health Officer and Director of the Snohomish Health District, who added that such poisonings not only harm people, but improperly discarded drugs can also harm the environment when they enter septic systems and household trash.

To help protect the public’s safety and health, area law enforcement agencies and Bartell Drug will participate in National Drug Take-back Day on Saturday, April 27, at sites throughout the county. Locations and hours are listed on the Snohomish Health District’s website at www.snohd.org, or can be obtained by calling 425-388-3199. These sites will accept unused, expired and unwanted prescription drugs, including narcotic painkillers and other medications.

All police departments in the county have drop-boxes available year-round, Monday through Friday, including the NCIS office at Naval Station Everett, the Washington State Patrol office in Marysville, and tribal police stations on the Tulalip and Stillaguamish reservations. Additionally, two Group Health locations and many Bartell Drugstores accept unwanted vitamins, pet medications, over-the-counter medications, inhalers and unopened EpiPens year-round.

Only law enforcement locations can accept controlled substances, such as Ativan and OxyContin. All items should be left in their original containers.

The Saturday drug-return hours support the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s “National Drug Take-back Day,” through participation by the Snohomish County Partnership for Secure Medicine Disposal. Partnership members include the Snohomish Health District, Snohomish County, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s office, the Snohomish Regional Drug and Gang Task Force, the Washington State Patrol and all local law enforcement agencies.

The Arlington Police Department’s drop-off location is open from 10 a.m. to noon at 110 E. Third St. in Arlington, while the Marysville Police Department’s drop-off location is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1635 Grove St. in Marysville.