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Cook Co. prescription drug take-back locations

Monday, April 23, 2012

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Cook County residents can safely dispose of medications this week with the Cook County Sheriff's Office during national Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative.

Medications can be dropped off between Wednesday, April 25 and Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at five locations:

Bridgeview Courthouse - 10220 South 76th Avenue
Markham Courthouse - 16501 South Kedzie Parkway
Maywood Courthouse - 1500 Maybrook Drive
Skokie Courthouse - 5600 Old Orchard Road
Rolling Meadows Courthouse - 2121 Euclid Avenue

(RELEASE) The purpose of this program is to bring awareness to the ever increasing abuse and theft of prescription drugs across the US. According to reports, more than seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs. These numbers continue to rise along with the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses across the country, brought about by these drugs. Studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends and often times, the home cabinet.

Another consideration is that many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of unused medicine. Throwing them away in the trash can often lead to the disposed item falling into someone else's hands; flushing them down a toilet can pollute water supplies. This program allows for individuals to safely and anonymously dispose of their unused or expired prescriptions in a way that allows for them to rid their medication in a safe and healthy way, free of charge.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative will begin next Wednesday, April 25th and run through Saturday April 28th from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each day. April 28th is considered the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for the United States and this the 4th year in a row that a day has been designated by the Drug Enforcement Agency as such. Locations for prescription take-back are: