McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) encourages residents to take advantage of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) program “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” on Saturday, September 26. The one-day event is from 10am-2pm at participating law enforcement sites. This coordinated effort addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
Residents can bring prescription and over-the-counter, solid dose (tablets, capsules) medications in clear, sealed plastic bags for disposal. Items not accepted include liquids, intravenous (IV) bags/solutions, injectables, needles, lancets and sharps. Prescription labels should be removed (or personal information blocked out with a permanent marker) from plastic bottles before tossing into weekly curbside recycling containers. Twelve (12) participating drop-off sites include –
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Algonquin Police Department, 2200 Harnish Drive - Algonquin
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Cary Police Department, 654 Village Hall Drive - Cary
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Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W. Woodstock Street - Crystal Lake
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Harvard Police Department, 201 W. Front Street - Harvard
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Huntley Police Department, 10911 Main Street - Huntley
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Johnsburg Police Department, 3611 N. Chapel Hill Road - Johnsburg
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Lake In The Hills Police Department, 1115 Crystal Lake Road - Lake in the Hills
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Lakewood Police Department, 2500 Lake Avenue - Lakewood
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Marengo Police Department, 142 E. Prairie Street - Marengo
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McHenry Police Department, 333 S. Green Street - McHenry
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McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Wonder Lake Fire Protection District #1 (East side station), 4300 E. Wonder Lake Rd - Wonder Lake
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Woodstock Police Department, 656 Lake Avenue - Woodstock
To find collection sites near you, visit the DEA’s webpage http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html. Check often as new sites will be added daily or contact your local police department. Additional information is available from your participating local law enforcement agency, on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (Environmental Health) or by calling Kristy Hecke, MCDH’s Solid Waste Manager at 815-334-4585.
