Drug Disposal / Collection Program

Goleta- April 9th, 2009

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department will be collecting unused and outdated medications for proper disposal during the "Wise Use of Medications Day” at the Goleta Valley Senior Center Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Medicines left unattended or disposed of improperly are a danger to our community through accidental ingestion, illegal drug use, or contamination of water supplies.  Recent studies have indicated that one in five teenagers has abused prescription medication that they get from a parent or grandparent's medicine cabinet.  

Meanwhile, accidental overdoses and medication mistakes are on the rise, according to July 2008, Archives of Internal Medicine.  Proper disposal will aid in reducing these dangers while also keeping those drugs out of our water supply.

A cooperative effort of Goleta Valley Senior Center, AARP, Samsum Clinic, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care, and the Sheriff’s Department, "Wise Use of Medications" Day is hoping to reach up to 150 seniors for medication reviews.

While appointments for medication reviews with pharmacists must be made by calling 683-1124, no appointment is necessary for the public to bring discarded medications.  Please keep medications in original containers, if possible. No personal information will be recorded with discarded medications.

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For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org