The opioid crisis is well known at this point. Since 2013, drug overdose deaths in Illinois have jumped by 60%, to an estimated 2,525 last year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, between 2000 and 2014, the rate of deaths nationwide from drug overdoses increased 137%, including a 200% increase in the rate of overdose deaths involving opioids.
Authorities say one of the ways young adults can experiment and be introduced is by finding old, unwanted or unused prescription drugs at home or receiving them from someone else who found them that way.
“Leaving unused or unneeded medications lying around the home is a recipe for trouble,” Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg said in a text.
“We have heard from many who are addicted to opioids or other drugs that easy access to unattended medications left in medicine cabinets or elsewhere helped feed their drug abuse,” he added. “We have responded to parties where underage children have brought old medications from their family’s home to share with their friends.”
To combat that possibility and to ensure people do not throw any prescription drugs into the garbage or flush them down the toilet where they can contaminate waterways, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Rosalind Franklin University in North Chicago for a Prescription Drug Takeback Day.
“This is a perfect opportunity to visit a drop-off location and dispose of unused medications in an environmentally friendly manner,” Idelburg said in a statement promoting the event. “Tossing unused drugs in the garbage or toilet leads to contamination of nature and our waterways. All drugs collected during this event will be disposed of properly.”
On Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., anyone can drop off expired, unwanted or unused prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs and pills, as well as controlled substances like opioids.
The drop-off program cannot accept syringes and needles.
Drop-Off locations include the Avon Township building, 433 E. Washington St. in Round Lake Park; Beach Park Village Hall, 11270 W. Wadsworth Road; Harbor Chase of Long Grove, 1190 Old McHenry Road in Long Grove; and Saint Peter Catholic Church, 27551 Volo Village Road in Volo.
State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is encouraging constituents to use the Avon Township drop-off. Last April, he and Idleburg were joined by Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim at a town hall meeting on the opioid crisis, and more than 150 pounds of medication was collected.
“Not only does the Drug Take Back Day help provide residents an opportunity to declutter their home of their unused, expired or unwanted medications, but it also helps prevent potential opioid addiction,” said Yingling.
“There is nothing more important than the health and safety of the members of our community,” Yingling added. “I am committed to continuing my efforts to fight against this terrible crisis.”
