Prescription and over-the-counter medications account for almost 7 of 10 emergency room visits for childhood poisonings, according to the CDC. We hear about it all the time: teenagers using drugs by stealing prescription medicines from a medicine cabinet.

It is important to get rid of unneeded medicines from our homes to reduce the access to drugs. Flushing medicine is bad for the environment and a large amount of drugs end up in downstream drinking water. Throwing medicines in the garbage is also not safe because the drugs can be found and used illegally.

Since 2008, MedDrop events have been giving people a safe, environmentally friendly place to get rid of unneeded medicines.

The next event will be Saturday, June 5th from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and three locations:

Bring your expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medicines in the original container. Personal information may be marked out. Volunteers will dispose of both the medicines and the containers to protect confidentiality.

This is a free, drive-through, drop off service to all area households.

For more information, visit the MedDrop Web site.