Safe Prescription Drug Storage and Disposal

Each year, about 50,000 emergency room visits result from children ingesting medications not meant for them. We educate communities on safe storage, proper disposal, and the prevention of accidental poisonings.

Is Medication Properly Stored in Your Home?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading cause of emergency visits for adverse drug events (ADEs) among children aged 5 and under is unsupervised access to medicine. These emergencies are preventable by always storing all medications out of children’s reach and sight every time you use them. Children are naturally curious, and child-proof caps alone are not enough. Secure storage is essential to prevent ADEs and avoid emergency hospital visits.

Drug Take Back Events

DEA Drug Take Back events take place every April and October. Help get unwanted medications disposed of properly so they don’t end up in our water systems, landfills or in the wrong hands.

Permanent Drug Disposal Locations (24/7/365)

Medication Lock Boxes

Nationwide, 53% of misused prescription medications come from family and friends. To reduce youth access, ADAPT partners with area agencies to provide medication lockboxes for Taney County families, securing both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Teach Your Children About Medicine Safety

Medicine safety is an important topic to discuss with children.

  • Never treat medicine as candy or a toy
  • Explain that the right medicine, in the right dose, helps them feel better, but only with adult supervision
  • Informed children are less likely to experience ADEs

Safe Medication Disposal in Stone & Taney Counties

The ADAPT Coalition partners with local law enforcement for the DEA National Drug Take Back Day, held twice a year (in April and October), to safely dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Those who misuse prescription drugs typically get them from family or friends. Removing old or expired medications prevents misuse, accidental overdose, and protects our community.

Year-Round Disposal Locations:

  • Branson, Hollister, Rockaway Beach & Kimberling City Police Departments
  • Stone County Sheriff (Galena) & Taney County Sheriff (Forsyth)
  • CoxHealth Pharmacy (Branson Outpatient Center)
  • CVS Pharmacy (Loyd St., Branson)
  • Walmart Pharmacy (Branson West)

Additional Resources:

  • Use at-home disposal packets
  • Store medications securely in lock boxes
  • ADAPT, Drug Free Ozarks, and local health departments promote safe storage and disposal practices

For more information: taneyadaptcoalition@gmail.com

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