The Creedmoor Police Department, in conjunction with CVS Pharmacy and the Vance Granville Community College Pharmacy Technology Program, will provide the community an opportunity to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired and unused prescription drugs.

 The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 29 at the Creedmoor Community Center, located at 116 Douglas Drive in Creedmoor. Community members are urged to bring their unneeded medications to help prevent substance abuse, accidental poisonings and theft of medications. The service is free and no questions are asked of those who participate.

 “Operation Medicine Drop saves lives,” NC Insurance Commissioner Causey said. “Poisonings and deaths occur when medicines and prescription drugs end up in the wrong hands. Medications should always be locked out of reach of children, and when medicines are no longer needed, they should be disposed of in a safe way.”

 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.

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.

 For more information about Operation Medicine Drop visit www.ncsafekids.org.