MANCHESTER, NH – On National Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 25, Elliot Health System will host a collection event for unused or expired prescription medication from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Elliot Pharmacy at River’s Edge, located at 175 Queen City Avenue, Manchester.
Elliot will be supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Manchester Police Department to offer a safe, convenient, and responsible way for community members to dispose of medication. The event is free, open to the public, and no appointment is required.
“As Southern New Hampshire’s largest health system, Elliot is proud to actively participate in this national effort to support the health and safety of our community. Holding on to unused or expired prescription medications is a health hazard commonly found in homes. The national effort provides increased awareness and spotlights the dangers of what can happen if unused medication falls into the wrong hands,” said Richard Charbonneau, director of security at Elliot Health System.
Since 2010, the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has removed more than 20 million pounds of unwanted medicationsfrom communities across the United States. Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and environmental harm.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, prescription opioid medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine are among the most misused pain medications. Removing unneeded medications from your home is a simple step that can improve community safety.
Elliot Health System encourages residents to check their medicine cabinets and take part in this important local collection event. Prescription medication drop boxes are available year-round at Elliot at River’s Edge, the main lobby of Elliot Hospital, and Police Departments statewide. For a complete list of prescription drop boxes in your area visit DEATakeBack.com.
About Elliot Health System:
Elliot Health System is a non-profit organization serving the health care needs of the community since 1890. The largest provider of comprehensive health care services in Southern New Hampshire, Elliot Hospital, a 296-bed acute care facility and the first community hospital in the state, serves as the cornerstone of the health system. Elliot is home to Manchester’s designated Regional Trauma Center, a Level 3 Newborn Intensive Care Unit, Elliot Medical Group, Elliot Urgent Care, the Elliot Visiting Nurse Association, Elliot at River’s Edge, Elliot 1-Day Surgery Center, Elliot Medical Centers in Bedford, Londonderry, and Hooksett, Elliot Breast Health Center, Solinsky Center for Cancer Care at the Elliot, Elliot Senior Health Center and Elliot Retail Pharmacy.