Get Ready for Drug Take Back Day in Myrtle Beach!
Hello, Myrtle Beach! It’s that time again. This Saturday marks the 27th National Drug Take Back Day, an important event aimed at helping folks safely dispose of unused or expired medications. If you’ve got some old pills lying around, now’s your chance to get rid of them responsibly.
What is Drug Take Back Day?
Hosted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with local law enforcement, this biannual event lets you drop off old medications at various locations. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is a fantastic opportunity to take stock of what’s in your medicine cabinet.
Where Can You Go?
If you’re looking to participate, there are at least four drop-off locations across the Grand Strand and Pee Dee area. It’s super easy! Just swing by one of these spots during the event and hand over your unused medication. Here’s a quick list of those locations:
- Location 1: [Insert Address]
- Location 2: [Insert Address]
- Location 3: [Insert Address]
- Location 4: [Insert Address]
This is a great way to keep your home safe, especially if you have little ones around. We’ll touch more on why this is so important shortly.
What Can You Dispose Of?
The DEA wants to remind everyone that not all medications can be dropped off during this event. You can dispose of:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Patch forms
However, be sure not to bring:
- Liquids
- Syringes or other sharps
- Illegal drugs
Why This Matters
You might wonder, why should I take the time to do this? Well, statistics show that South Carolina faced a serious issue with drug overdoses. In 2022, there were 2,296 drug overdose deaths reported, a 6% increase from 2021. Of those, nearly 1,982 were linked to prescription drugs. Clearly, it’s crucial to manage the medications we have.
South Carolina’s Attorney General emphasized the importance of this day: “The message is clear and simple: take back and dispose.” He further explained how prescription drugs can be helpful but can also lead to dangerous situations if misused or left unattended.
A Simple Home Safety Tip
Julia Horan, a coordinator at the state Department of Public Health, advised everyone to clean out their medicine cabinets at least twice a year. “Cleaning out your medicine cabinet twice a year of unused or expired prescription drugs is an easy way to keep you and your loved ones safe by removing any potential harmful products from your household,” she said.
It’s not just enough to check your own stash; spread the love! Encourage family members and friends to do the same. You could be helping prevent an accident or misuse by simply spreading the word.
It’s Not Just One Day
If you miss out on Drug Take Back Day, don’t worry! There are several locations that accept unused medications throughout the year. It’s a great way to make sure we keep our communities safe all year round.
Final Thoughts