FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oakland County Coalitions Join Law Enforcement for
National Drug Take-Back Day
Auburn Hills, MI – April 21, 2016
Representatives from prevention coalitions in Oakland County will be on hand at local law enforcement agencies on Saturday, April 30, 2016, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 11th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Thanks to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office’s partnership with Operation Medicine Cabinet™ (OMC), and in cooperation with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (ACHC) 17 local prevention coalitions, there are 33 permanent OMC drop-off sites, including 13 Sheriff’s Office
locations and 19 additional law enforcement locations around the County.
“We remain committed to the safety of our seniors, our young people, and the environmental implications of improper disposal of prescription drugs,” said Sheriff Bouchard. “"Whether it is the DEA's Take Back Day or dropping your prescriptions at one of the year-round Operation Medicine Cabinet sites, please dispose of your unused prescriptions, and keep them out of the hands of unauthorized users."
For drop box locations and times of operation visit: https://www.oakgov.com/sheriff/Pages/community_services/operation_medicine_cabinet.aspx
Rep. Sandy Levin, a long-time supporter of Oakland County prevention coalitions said, "National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a vital effort that spotlights the danger of prescription drug abuse and helps keep our communities safer by promoting their proper disposal. Working together, the ACHC and the Sheriff’s Office continue to make this effort more successful and I applaud their continued and consistent efforts.”
Rates of prescription drug misuse and opiate overdoses are rising at an alarming rate. Safe disposal of expired or unneeded prescription drugs is vital to keeping dangerous medications out of the hands of the youth, and curbing this epidemic. More information on prescription drug misuse prevention can be found at www.doyourpart.info.
Prescription drug misuse is a growing problem. Disposing of prescription medications safely is a great opportunity for community members to help reduce the threat.
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Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, founded in 2004, is a 17 coalition prevention partnership based in Oakland County and is funded by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority. ACHC also represents the Oakland County chapter of Families Against Narcotics (FAN). Together, the members mobilize a diverse group of persons and organizations from all community sectors to take coordinated action in building healthier communities. For more information call (248) 221-7101 or visit www.achcmi.org.