Annual Medication Drop-off Attracts 200 Cars

Bellin Health, GBPD sort more than 470 pounds of drugs during DEA event

Bellin Health and the Green Bay Police Department sorted more than 470 pounds of unused medications during their annual drop-off drive-through event on Friday, Sept. 25 at Bellin Hospital.

Held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, the annual event aims to rid homes of unused medications, which create a public health and safety concern because they can be stolen, abused, accidentally ingested or improperly disposed of.

More than 200 cars came through the Bellin medication drop-off drive-through during the Sept. 25 event, with occupants getting rid of unneeded prescription drugs, inhalers, liquids and over-the-counter medications and creams. The 470-lb. total of medications sorted includes some that had been previously dropped off at the Green Bay Police Department.

“For more than 10 years, Bellin Health has been proud to partner with the Green Bay Police Department and DEA for this important community effort,” said Jody Wilmet, Bellin Health vice president of oncology and diagnostic services. “Working together, we can create a safer, healthier community.”

Prescription drug abuse is a significant problem nationwide, according to the DEA. About 6.5 million Americans abuse prescription drugs — more than double the number of those using heroin, cocaine and

hallucinogens combined, according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In 2011, more than 22,000 Americans died from prescription medication overdoses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To date, DEA Take-Back events have collected more than 4.8 million pounds of drugs. Click here for more information on this national effort.

In addition to the annual event at Bellin Hospital, several local municipalities and law enforcement agencies accept medication drop-offs year-round. The sites, which accept prescription and over-the-counter drugs, are as follows:

• Brown County Sheriff’s Office
2684 Development Drive, Bellevue — front desk
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information, click here or call (920) 448-4219
No sharps

• Green Bay Police Department
307 S. Adams St., Green Bay — lobby area (use bright orange box)
Accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week
For more information, call (920) 448-3200 from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
No sharps

• Village of Hobart Business Office (Hobart residents only)
2990 S. Pine Tree Road, Hobart
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Any prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs accepted
No sharps

• Lawrence Town Hall
2400 Shady Court, De Pere
Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Any prescription and over-the-counter drugs accepted
No sharps

• De Pere Police Department
335 S. Broadway, De Pere
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Any prescriptions and over-the counter drugs accepted (private persons only)
No sharps, inhalers, hydrogen peroxide or aerosols