The recent Attacking Medication Misuse campaign run by Grey Bruce Public Health (GBPH) was a success.
According to a press release from GBPH, the campaign, which began October 4, aimed to increase awareness about the proper way to dispose of no-longer-required medications.
The campaign featured participants receiving vouchers for a regular-season Owen Sound Attack home game when they exchanged old or unused meds at the Shoppers Drug Mart on 16th Street East in Owen Sound. All 150 vouchers, which were available for the campaign, were claimed within a few days.
In total, Grey-Bruce residents returned more than 200 unused or expired medications. Returned medications included antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, opioids, benzodiazepines, and asthma medication.
"This campaign was a success for several reasons," said Jason Weppler, Manager of GBPH’s Comprehensive Health Promotion program. "First, we accomplished our primary goal of increasing awareness about the proper way to dispose of no-longer-required medications – that being to return them to any pharmacy for safe disposal. We were also able to ensure that more than 200 unused medications will not end up in landfill, local waterways, or the wrong hands."
