Boyd K. Rutherford (R) on Friday announced a new “drug take-back” program in Charles County that the state will use to help combat its heroin and opioid epidemic in one of the hardest-hit jurisdictions. The goal is to prevent unneeded prescription drugs and needles from reaching addicts by allowing residents to dispose of the items in safe receptacles at six independent pharmacies in the county. The state, which is partnering in the take-back initiative with Charles County, local pharmacies and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, plans to support the program with a $20,215 grant. Previously, Charles County residents could dispose of unneeded prescription drugs at yearly events hosted by the Maryland State Police. Peter T. Murphy, president of the Charles County Board of Commissioners, in a statement said the county’s residents will benefit “from having free, convenient and secure collection points located throughout the county to dispose of over-the-counter or prescription medications.”

Source: Washington Post August 26, 2016 19:18 UTC