Midland Health is offering a service for the safe and anonymous disposal of unused medications, as announced in a Facebook post.
A February 13 post on the social media platform detailed that a disposal drop box is available at the main emergency department entrance of Midland Memorial Hospital. "This free service is available any time, any day, no questions asked," the post said.
According to Midland Health, unwanted over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs can contaminate waterways and potentially local drinking water when improperly disposed of by flushing, draining, or trashing. The organization also noted that drugs kept in homes pose risks to children and potential addicts.
Midland Health highlighted that prescription drug abuse is currently the fastest-growing drug problem in the United States. The organization pointed out that drug overdoses have become the leading cause of injury-related deaths in 37 states, which led them to initiate a drug take-back program. While the drop box accepts various drugs, it does not accept inhalers, aerosols, creams or ointments, needles or sharps, or liquids.