Prescription Drug Take Back Program Reintroduced At Oak Forest PD

OAK FOREST, IL — The Oak Forest Police Department is bringing back the Prescription Drug Take Back Program.

In partnership with the Cook County Sheriff, the city is collecting prescription medication at the police department located at 15440 S. Central Ave., to be properly disposed. According to the city, a large collection box has been placed in the lobby department and is available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for residents to dispose of approved medications.

"The goal of the Prescription Drug Take Back Program is to allow Oak Forest residents a convenient and safe disposal alternative by delivering all unused, unwanted, or expired medications to local law enforcement officials who dispose of these substances in a safe, secure and non-hazardous manner," the city stated in the announcement.

Some acceptable items include prescription drugs, prescription patches, prescription ointments, prescription samples, pet medication, over-the-counter medications and vitamins. Items that will not be accepted include needles, aerosol cans or inhalers, bio-hazard or infectious waste, hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, thermometers, food items, supplements and liquids.

According to the city, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that thousands of tons of pharmaceutical and personal care products enter the waste stream each year. Several United States Geological Survey studies have found that many pharmaceuticals are surviving water treatment facilities and making their way into drinking water.

"The EPA has instructed people to stop discarding unwanted medications down the drain. Unused, expired and unwanted medication is a health and safety risk, as well as a potential threat to waterways and local landfills," the city stated.

Prescription medication abuse among teens and young adults is a serious and increasing problem in the U.S., the city said. According to Oak Forest, The Partnership for a Drug Free America’s annual tracking study recently found:

• 1 in 5 teens have abused a prescription pain medication
• 1 in 5 teens report abusing prescription stimulants and tranquilizers
• 1 in 10 teens have abused cough medication

"Many teens think these drugs are safe because they have legitimate uses. However, taking them without a prescription to "get high" or "self-medicate" can be dangerous and as addicting as using street narcotics and other illicit drugs," the city said.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health identifies four types of pain medication that are commonly abused, which are pain relievers, sedatives, stimulants and tranquilizers. According to the city, 11 percent of teens — ages 12 to 17 — reported lifetime non-medical use of pain relievers and four percent reported lifetime non-medical use of stimulants.

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