On
March 21, 2019, Safe Kids WNC from Mission Children’s Hospital will give the public an opportunity to help prevent substance abuse, accidental poisonings and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The public can bring medications for disposal to
Asheville Outlets Food Court area at
800 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 between 10 am and 2 pm. The service is
free, anonymous and no questions will be asked.
Operation Medicine Drop is a partnership of the N.C. Department of Insurance and Safe Kids NC, N.C. Department of Justice — Attorney General’s Office, U.S. Department of Justice — Drug Enforcement Agency, N.C. Department of Public Safety — SBI, the Riverkeepers of N.C. and local law enforcement agencies. These agencies work together to provide assistance and support to our communities to aid in the proper disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Operation Medicine Drop reminds parents and caregivers to do the following:
- Keep medicines locked up and out of reach of children.
- Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages. Only use the dispensers packaged with children’s medications.
- Avoid taking medicine or vitamins in front of kids.
- Medicine should not be referred to as “candy.”
- If you suspect poisoning and a child is choking, collapses, can’t breathe or is having a seizure, call 911. Otherwise, take the product to the phone and call the national Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
