The Greater Sudbury Police Service has partnered with 11 drug stores / pharmacies that have agreed to participate in this year`s Drug Drop-Off Day Event.
On Saturday May 10th, Greater Sudbury residents will have an opportunity to quickly and easily dispose of expired and unused prescription medications they may have in their home. Between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on this date, residents can simply go to any of the designated locations (participating drug stores / pharmacies are listed on the attached poster) and anonymously drop off unwanted drugs.
``The misuse and abuse of prescription medication has become a public safety issue in most communities and for Police Services across the country; therefore we are all working together to draw attention to this public safety concern by supporting the Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day on Saturday, May 10th,`` states Deputy Chief of Police Al Lekun. He adds that ``the main objective of this event is to return unwanted / unused / expired medications to keep them away from individuals for whom they were never intended. The abuse of prescription medications can lead to incidents of overdose and, in some cases, death. ``
Loblaw Pharmacy at the Real Canadian Superstore on Lasalle Blvd. is one of the partners and Pharmacy Manager Ms. Julie Thompson adds that: ``Prescription medications are legal and intended for prescription use under a physician’s supervision. When taken as prescribed, they are safe. It is the misuse of the drug that is dangerous. I urge local residents to dispose of expired/unused/replaced medication during this event or otherwise contact their pharmacy to find out how to do so safely. `` Ms. Thompson adds that: ``residents are further reminded that they can return any unwanted or outdated prescription medications to their local pharmacy for safe and secure disposal at any time.``
Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is a one-day initiative supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the Ontario
Association of Chiefs of Police, Partnership for a Drug-Free Canada, Health Canada and Public Safety Canada.
Additional Contact: Julie Thompson – 705-521-1786