Last Updated on May 17, 2017 3:46 pm
The annual Operation Medicine Cabinet campaign recently wrapped up, with over 76,000 pills collected. The campaign is a day where unused or expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, syringes or other medical supplies can be dropped off with law enforcement officers in order to be properly disposed of.
Earlier in this month Sheriff Hagaman said, “From a law enforcement perspective, one of our most important jobs is to work diligently and proactively to prevent drug abuse. By hosting an amnesty day that allows the public to turn in any kind of unused or unwanted medications, hopefully, we will keep those drugs off the street and out of the hands of children.”
Sheriff Hagaman shares with WataugaOnline.com that there were a total of 76,201.5 pills, 591 oz. of liquids, and numerous sharps collected during the event on May 13, 2017. Of those 76,201.5 pills 1,497.5 pills and 690 ml were Opioids, 574 pills were Benzodiazepines, and 238 were Stimulants.
Over 1.5 million pills and 132 gallons of liquids have been properly disposed of since the event started in 2009.
In addition to the High Country Operation Medicine Cabinet drug take-back day, three community prescription medication drop-off sites are available in Watauga County; Watauga County Sheriff’s Office, Boone Police Department, and Blowing Rock Police Department all offer secure prescription medication drop-boxes that can be accessed by the public with no questions asked.
