A Roaring Success: Fall Drug Take-Back Day's Record-Breaking Haul

Penn State Health celebrated a major triumph as they gathered over 700 pounds of unwanted medications in a bid to foster community safety. On October 25, this year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day saw staff at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center diligently collect expired or unneeded medications, marking a substantial increase from last spring’s figures.

A Community Coming Together

Thanks to the collective efforts of community members, not only were medications gathered from Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey and Lancaster medical centers, but also from six additional sites across the area. The spirited participation was palpable, with locations including State College, Camp Hill, and Harrisburg contributing to the impressive total.

Collaborative Approach

Working alongside the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement, and numerous township police departments, this event epitomized the power of collaboration. Together, they were able to responsibly dispose of 702 pounds of medications and an impressive 20.5 sharps containers. This collaborative effort reflects a wider movement, as similar events across the U.S. amassed a staggering 286 tons of medications for safe disposal.

Legacy of Participation

Since its inception in 2015, Penn State Health’s Drug Take-Back Days have collectively removed nearly 8,000 pounds of medications from circulation and filled over 320 large sharps containers. This ongoing initiative is vital in curbing substance misuse and supporting mental health, a priority at Penn State Health.

Ongoing Efforts

In a continuous effort to provide safe disposal options, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers drug return boxes in partnership with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office. These boxes are conveniently located and accessible during regular business hours at strategic points on their campus, ensuring that the community has multiple opportunities to safely dispose of medications.

The Road Ahead

Preventing substance misuse remains a cornerstone of Penn State Health’s mission. Their involvement in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day highlights their commitment to this cause, and plans are underway to ensure future events are even more successful. As the numbers grow, so does the hope that together, communities can make a substantial difference in promoting health and safety. According to Penn State Health News, this initiative has had profound impacts on community well-being.