• pills and pill bottles
    Health & Wellness

    Mayo Clinic Supports the Fifth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Event

ROCHESTER, Minn. — September 24, 2012.  Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department are joining the Drug Enforcement Administration to hold a National Take-Back Initiative event Saturday, Sept. 29. Participants can turn in unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mayo Clinic, Gonda Building circle drive entrance on Third Avenue SW, Rochester. The service is free and anonymous.

pills and pill bottles

Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department also took part in this national event in April, when Americans turned in a record 276 tons of unwanted medications for safe disposal.

Studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including home medicine cabinets. This event offers a convenient, safe and environmentally friendly way for the public to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Mayo Clinic and the Rochester Police Department are committed to preventing misuse of potentially dangerous drugs. Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Medications that are improperly disposed of by flushing them down the toilet pose a potential health hazard. The public can help safeguard the community by properly disposing of medications.

The drop-off site can be accessed from Second Street SW by turning onto Third Avenue SW and entering the circle drive to the Gonda Building entrance. Simply drive up and hand off any medications. Nothing needs to be signed.

The DEA and Rochester Police Department will handle and dispose of the medications. Mayo Clinic staff will be on hand to assist.

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About Mayo Clinic:

Recognizing 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit 150years.mayoclinic.orgwww.mayoclinic.org and newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org.


Media Contact: Kelley Luckstein, 507-284-5005 (days), newsbureau@mayo.edu

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