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Prescription Drug Drop Off

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced that the Ocean County’s Prosecutor’s Office has joined with the DART Coalition, the Ocean County Health Department and the Lakewood Blue Claws to host two prescription drug drop off events this summer at Blue Claws Stadium on August 14th and 26th.

Come out and enjoy America’s favorite pastime, while taking the opportunity to clean out your medicine cabinet of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.  The drop off program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high.  More Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined, according to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

During last year’s July 2013 event, approximately one hundred people took the opportunity to enjoy a ball game, while cleaning out their medicine cabinets of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.  That event yielded 88lbs in unused prescription drugs in just over a one hour collection period.

There will be two tables, one at each entrance of the Blue Claws Stadium, and program volunteers will start accepting unwanted prescriptions before the two designated game starts on August 14th and 26th, from 6:00 – 7:00pm.  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Lakewood Police Department will handle transportation and disposal.  DART and the Health Department will also have a table inside to distribute substance abuse prevention information. Proper safeguarding and disposal of prescription drugs is everyone’s responsibility. This is a great opportunity to get rid of unwanted medications and enjoy a relaxing night at the ballpark.