On Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Cornelius Police Department will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Cornelius Police Department Side Parking Lot, located at 21440 Catawba Ave. The Medicine Drop will be on the side closest to the Cain Arts Center. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. 

**We cannot take any needles or liquid medications.** 

Operation Medicine Drop is held in conjunction with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Annual National Take Back Initiative. It is a coordinated effort by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Safe Kids North Carolina, the DEA, the State Bureau of Investigation, Riverkeepers of NC and local groups to prevent accidental poisonings, substance abuse and protect our waters.

Operation Medicine Drop reminds parents and caregivers to:

• Keep medicines locked up and out of reach of children.
• Always read labels, follow directions and give medicines to children based on their weights and ages. Only use the dispensers packaged with children's medications.
• Avoid taking medicine or vitamins in front of kids, and don't call them candy.
• If you suspect poisoning and a child is choking, collapses, can't breathe or is having a seizure, call 911. Otherwise, take the product to the phone and call the national Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

As a friendly reminder, the Cornelius Police Department is not a permanent drop-box for medicine take-back. For more information about Operation Medicine Drop, and to find a permanent drop box near you, please go to www.ncsafekids.org.

For questions about the Cornelius event, please call Corporal Smith at (704)892-1363.