A drop box where residents of Hamilton Township, Atlantic County can safely dispose of expired prescription medications has been installed in Mays Landing.

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The secure box is located inside the Hamilton Twp. Police Department at 6101 13th Street in Mays Landing, and it's accessible to the public 24/7.

Residents are encouraged to drop off any unused, unwanted, and expired medications.

The permanent drop box was reportedly secured with the help of Join Together Atlantic County (JTAC), a substance misuse prevention coalition, New Jersey Department of Human Services, and Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services..

JTAC offers these tips:

  • Take inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
  • Secure your medicine chest.
  • Properly dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine.
  • Take your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
  • Talk to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

In a press release, Hamilton Twp. Police and JTAC state that permanent and secure expired prescription drop boxes like theirs are a key part in reducing the misuse of prescription medication. They report that 2 in 5 teenagers believe prescription drugs are “much safer” than illegal drugs.  Every day in the U.S. 2,500 youths take a prescription pain reliever for the purpose of getting high for the first time.  Cleaning out medicine cabinets will reduce the number of prescriptions available for abuse.

For more information about Join Together Atlantic County please visit www.jtacnj.org or call 609-272-0101 ext. 22.

SOURCES: Brian J. Wilson, Join Together Atlantic County

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