Schneck installs drug take-back box

Schneck Medical Center recently installed a drug take-back box in the patient lobby of the hospital.

The box provides the community with a location to easily dispose of surplus and/or expired medications at their convenience.

“We want to be a resource for the community,” said Justin Brown, director of pharmacy at the Seymour hospital. “We hope this program makes a significant impact in putting unused medications out of reach.”

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs in 2016. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

Helping people to dispose of potentially harmful drugs is one way Schneck is working to reduce opioid abuse in the community.

Accepted at the take-back box are unused or expired prescription medication, unused or expired over-the-counter medications and pet medication.

Not accepted are illegal drugs, thermometers, aerosol cans, inhalers and needles.