pills-drugs-1421532-mThe Timmins Police Service will once again be hosting a Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, along with the Porcupine Health Unit, set to take place Saturday, May 9, 2015 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Timmins Police Service (North parking lot).

The Timmins Police Service will participate in the initiative, along with many other police agencies across Ontario & Canada. Spearheaded by the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the goal of National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day is to raise awareness about the proper disposal of medication. It is also hoped the event will reduce the access and availability of prescription medications to those who should not have them, such as young people and the criminal element.

“This is an important event to raise awareness, as well as to move forward in dealing with the problems associated with prescription drug abuse in Timmins and across the province and country,” explained TPS Inspector Richard Blanchette.

Last year’s event in Timmins saw 50 lbs of unwanted/expired medication collected. The drugs collected included opiates and barbiturates, as well as over-the-counter medication. When used by people other than those to which they are prescribed, these medications can be very dangerous, and even deadly. Disposing of these medications by throwing them in the garbage or flushing them down the toilet is unsafe for the environment.

Residents are urged to check their medicine cabinets for any expired or unused medication, and drop it off at the Timmins Police Service on National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. Unused medication can also be dropped off at local pharmacies at any time, where they can be disposed of in a safe and environmentally-friendly manner.