Our nation’s opioid epidemic is having deadly consequences for children. A new study in The Journal of Pediatrics shows opioids are the most common substance leading to fatal poisonings among young children. Researchers say between 2005-2018, more than 700 children under the age of five died of a drug-related death – some of the 731 deaths were related to use of over-the-counter medications, the majority being opioids. The study did not state specifically how children gained access to the drugs but it was noted that more than 40% were accidental overdoses.
Many cases of accidental poisonings and prescription drug abuse are traced to the home medicine cabinets of family and friends. While you are setting your clocks ahead to Daylight Savings Time this weekend, please also plan a time to do some spring cleaning in your family’s medicine cabinets to dispose of unused or expired medications - and remember to always keep them locked for safety.
StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies will join The Drug Enforcement Administration to provide our community with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted medications in a safe manner on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 22, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at locations throughout Polk County. Participating drop-off locations will be confirmed soon. Medications may also be brought to our county’s permanent drop sites at police department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5). Only solids are accepted in permanent drop boxes (no liquids or syringes). To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of medication in the toilet.
For more information, please visit the StandUP Polk website https://www.standuppolk.org, find us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SUPCoalition, or call (863) 802-0777.
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