Are there outdated or unused pharmaceuticals in your home? Now is the time to safely dispose of these substances. Medicines play an important role in treating many conditions and diseases, but when they are no longer needed, it’s important to dispose of them properly to avoid harm to others. The Community Hospital-Fairfax Auxiliary, in conjunction with the cities of Fairfax, Rock Port, and Tarkio law enforcement officers and the Atchison County Sheriff’s Department, will be conducting a county-wide Drug Take-back Event on Saturday, June 2, 2018. There is no charge for this service.
Leftover drugs prescribed for legitimate reasons are often the culprit in the opioid crisis. Government data shows that roughly  70% of misused prescription drugs come from family and friends. Providing a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted medications can reduce this number.
Proper disposal of these potential addiction catalysts is needed now. Every day, more than  115 Americans die of an opioid overdose, which is now the leading cause of death for those under the age of 50, surpassing car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total “economic burden” of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is  $78.5 billion a year. Tossing unused medications is a policy that all concerned citizens can rally behind.
These pharmaceuticals need to be disposed in a manner that will keep them out of the environment. Sewage systems are not equipped for PPCP (pharmaceuticals and personal care products) removal. PPCPs are not designed to be destroyed by water treatment processes.
A disposal box will be located outside so individuals can drive by to drop off the unwanted drugs. Labels with names may be removed or blacked out for anonymity, but it is not necessary. The Take Back Event will include any drug, tablet, powder, liquid, gel, or cream.
Collection sites will be open Saturday, June 2, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the following sites:
Fairfax – in front of Community Hospital-Fairfax
Tarkio – Farmers State Bank parking lot
Rock Port – the former Casey’s parking lot