There’s a new place to get rid of unused medicines

Several Butler County police agencies collected old prescription drugs Saturday including in front of the Hamilton Police Department on South Front Street. Agencies collected dozens of pounds of expired or unused prescription medication. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF

Several Butler County police agencies collected old prescription drugs Saturday including in front of the Hamilton Police Department on South Front Street. Agencies collected dozens of pounds of expired or unused prescription medication. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF

As part of its ongoing effort to combat opioid addiction, Premier Health announced that it has received a grant from the PNC Foundation to assist the community in safely disposing of unused medications at any time.

More than 70 percent of people using opioids for nonmedical reasons get them from family and friends, according to the American Medical Association.

The grant, which Premier Health received through its foundations, paid for recently installed receptacles for unused medications.

These receptacles are open to the public, in addition to Premier Health employees, around-the-clock at the following locations:

  • Atrium Medical Center: front lobby beside gift shop
  • Good Samaritan North Health Center: lobby beside retail pharmacy
  • Miami Valley Hospital: beside the Apple Street elevators (first floor)
  • Miami Valley Hospital South: bed tower lobby outside maternity center entrance
  • Upper Valley Medical Center: at the foot of the main staircase in the hospital lobby

Those disposing of their unused medications are encouraged to place them in plastic bags instead of bottles.

The receptacles should not be used to dispose of needles, syringes, aerosolized cans, inhalers, thermometers, lotions or liquids.

Unused medications will be incinerated and will not be taken to a landfill, according to Premier Health.

“Limiting inappropriate access to opioids is an important way that our community and health system can make a difference in addressing the overdose epidemic gripping Southwest Ohio,” said Mary Boosalis, president and CEO of Premier Health, in a statement.

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