Officials are launching a new program in Charles County aimed at making it easier for residents to dispose of over-the-counter or prescription medications. Commissioner President Peter F. Murphy discussed the goals of the Drug Take-Back Program—a partnership between Charles County and local pharmacies, the State of Maryland, and University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center—are to avoid the stockpiling of medications in the home, to keep children and water systems safe; and to avoid drugs getting into the hands of addicts.

From The Washington Post,

The goal is to prevent unneeded prescription drugs from reaching addicts by allowing residents to dispose of the drugs in safe receptacles at six independent pharmacies in the county.

Previously, Charles County residents could dispose of unneeded prescription drugs at yearly events hosted by the Maryland State Police. Administration officials say the state needed to do more to discourage the practice of stockpiling medications at home, which provides opportunities for risky and illegal use.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has found that 8 out of 10 new heroin users began by abusing prescription painkillers, switching to heroin when they could no longer obtain or afford the medications.

Commissioner President Murphy, in a statement said the county’s residents will benefit “from having free, convenient and secure collection points located throughout the county to dispose of over-the-counter or prescription medications.”

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