A medication drop box was recently placed in the lobby of the Bellefontaine Police Department making it the fifth drop box in Logan County to be funded by Mary Rutan Foundation as a benefit to our community. Residents of Logan County now have several easily accessible locations to dispose of unused or expired medications.
Prescription medications left expired and unwanted in the home are a public safety issue leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose. Studies indicate that many abused drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community.
Prescription Drug Take Back Days occur annually in the spring and fall nationwide. But with drop boxes permanently located in Logan County, residents can safely dispose of their medications 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at the following locations:
• Logan County Sheriff’s Office at 284 S. County Road 32, Bellefontaine
• Russells Point Police Department at 433 Orchard Island Road, Russells Point
• Mary Rutan Hospital Emergency Department at 205 East Palmer Road, Bellefontaine
• Bellefontaine Police Department at 135 N. Detroit St., Bellefontaine
Other drop boxes are available during retail pharmacy hours:
• Community Market Pharmacy at 878 E. Sandusky Ave., Bellefontaine
• CVS Pharmacy at 143 E. Sandusky Ave., Bellefontaine
• Mary Rutan Health Center Retail Pharmacy at 1134 N. Main St., Bellefontaine
Items that can be dropped off are pills and patches including prescription medication, over-the-counter drugs, medication samples and pet medication. Drop boxes are NOT meant for needles, syringes (sharps), thermometers, liquids, or inhalers.
To protect a person’s privacy, any identifying information on the medication should be completely blacked out.
The first permanent drop box was placed by the Mary Rutan Foundation at the sheriff’s office in 2013.
From the left, Bellefontaine Police Department Chief Chris Marlow and Evidence Technician Greg VanBuskirk are pictured with retired COO of Mary Rutan Foundation Tammy Allison. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)