Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) is working with the Owen Sound Attack to try and raise awareness about how to safely dispose of expired and unused pills, tablets, and other medications.
The "Attacking Medication Misuse" campaign will begin on November 21.
During this campaign, anyone who drops off expired or unneeded prescription or over-the-counter medication at Rexall Pharma Plus at 963 2nd Avenue East in Owen Sound can receive a voucher for a free ticket to any regular season Owen Sound Attack home game.
The campaign will run until November 28 or until all the tickets are claimed.
"Pharmaceuticals can also be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Public Health urges people not to flush medicines down the toilet or toss them in the trash," GBPH stated.
GBPH adds that leaving old and expired medications can have serious consequences, particularly if youth take them or if someone takes an expired pill inadvertently, which can be a health concern.
People who participate in the "Attacking Medication Misuse" campaign will be asked to fill out a form at Rexall Pharma Plus to indicate what medication they are returning. This data will be collected by Public Health for reporting purposes, in accordance with applicable privacy requirements. No personal information is collected from the pharmacy or Grey Bruce Public Health.
"The goal of this campaign is to remind residents to always return old and unused prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicine to their local pharmacy for safe disposal," said Monica Blair, Manager of GBPH’s Harm Reduction Program. "All pharmacies accept old or unused medications year-round to ensure they are disposed of properly, safely, and will not get into the wrong hands."
When returning expired or unused medication to a pharmacy, residents will be asked to put pills and tablets into a supplied paper bag and remove personal information from containers with prescription creams or liquids.
