National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (April 25, 2024) – In observance of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, Baptist Health is reminding the public about the importance of proper disposal of expired and unused prescription medications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one million people in the United States visit emergency departments each year for an adverse drug event, and more than 350,000 are hospitalized. An adverse drug event (ADE) is when someone is harmed by a medicine.
Approximately 150,000 children younger than 17 years old go to emergency departments each year for an ADE. Children under five years old are more likely to visit the emergency department for an ADE. Each year, 250 two-year-olds are seen in an emergency department for medication poisoning (CDC, 2024).
“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day encourages everyone to do their part to stop the drug overdose epidemic by disposing of unneeded and unused medications,” said Jamie Lane, PharmD, pharmacy director for the hospital. “Taking this simple precaution can help prevent medication-related accidents, misuse, and opioid addiction, and make our communities safer and healthier.”
Blood thinners, antibiotics, diabetes drugs, and pain medications are the leading cause of emergency department visits for ADEs.
Practicing safe storage and proper disposal of prescription medicines can help keep families safe and healthy.
To drop off your unused or expired medications, visit one of Baptist Health’s pharmacies, where drop off boxes are accessible during regular pharmacy hours.
- Baptist Health Hardin Community Pharmacy (inside the hospital), 913 N. Dixie Ave., Elizabethtown, KY
Pharmacy hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Baptist Health Bardstown Pharmacy, 3615 E. John Rowan Blvd, Bardstown, KY
Pharmacy hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.