UPMC Susquehanna is partnering with West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission to host drug take back week, Oct. 21–27. The organizations are encouraging community members to remove unused prescription medication form their households and deposit them in standing drug return drop box locations throughout the community.

“Given the opioid crisis we face in Pennsylvania, we wanted to remind members of the community that there are a number of standing locations for prescription drug drop boxes that are always available,” said Bradley Miller, DO, medical director of Addiction Medicine, UPMC Susquehanna. “While we are focused on removing excess pain medications from the home. There are dangers inherent with any prescription medications and we encourage everyone to return these medications for proper disposal.”

In recent years, abuse of prescription painkillers and over-the-counter drugs has been on the rise. According to a survey conducted in Pennsylvania in 2015, “41% of prescription-drug-using students indicated taking the drugs from a family member living in their home.” Accidental ingestion is just as harmful as misuse. Young children, toddlers, and even pets are vulnerable. UPMC Susquehanna’s Drug Take-Back Days are one tactic for the community to help prevent drug overdose, illicit drug use, and water contamination.

“Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision,” said Dr. Miller. “The non-medical use of prescription drugs ranks second only to marijuana as the most common form of drug abuse in America. The majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs get them from family and friends—and the home medicine cabinet. Only through proper disposal can we ensure that the prescriptions are not being used improperly or abused.”

Lycoming County Drop Box Locations
• Hughesville Borough Police Dept. – 147 South Fifth St., Hughesville
• TJ’s Market/Montgomery’s Pharmacy – 49 N. Railroad St., Hughesville
• Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police Dept. – 129 South Pennsylvania Ave., Jersey Shore
• Weis Markets – Jersey Shore – 1440 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore
• Montgomery’s Pharmacy – 21 S. Main St., Montgomery
• Montoursville Police Dept. – 617 North Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville
• State Police – Troop F/Montoursville – 899 Cherry St., Montoursville
• Weis Markets – Montoursville – 801 Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville
• Muncy Borough Police Dept. – 14 North Washington St., Muncy
• Weis Markets – Muncy – 1272 East Penn St., Muncy
• South Williamsport Police Dept. – 329-331 West Southern Ave., South Williamsport
• City of Williamsport Police Dept. – 245 West 4th St., Williamsport
• Lycoming County Sheriff’s Dept. – 48 West Third St., Williamsport
• Old Lycoming Township Police Dept. – 1951 Green Ave., Ste. 2, Williamsport
• Penn College Police Dept. – 200 College Ave., Williamsport
• UPMC Susquehanna Health Pharmacy – 740 High St., Suite 1004, Williamsport

These standing take back locations are available during normal business hours. Medications in liquid form are not accepted and it is recommended that community members returning medications remove or black out private information such as name, address, or other personal information before depositing in the drop box.