The opioid epidemic is not only a national crisis but a North Carolina crisis as well. An average of 4 people per day are dying from overdose in NC with 79% of those deaths involving some type of opioid. Drugs not properly disposed of may end up getting into the wrong hands or end up in our water system.

Medication take back events are one of several strategies to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion in the nation. Events such as this are set up throughout the county for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs people have at home, including opioids. Medication take back events are free and accessible event that gives people a safe and secure way to dispose of unwanted over-the counter and prescription medications.

Events such as this make our communities safer by keeping drugs:

•  Out of homes: Keeping unused opioids in a home can increase a family’s risk of diversion. By taking unwanted opioids out of homes, drug take back days reduce the chance of them going to unintended users.
• Off the streets: By reducing the risk of diversion at home, drug take back days also help opioids stay off the illicit market.

Brunswick County Sheriff's Office

Brunswick Wellness Coalition

Coastal Horizons

Dosher Memorial Hospital

Dosher hosted two medication take back events in 2023

1. April 2023, nearly 450 local households discarded16,874 expired or unwanted narcotic pills and nearly 1,140 milliliters of narcotic liquids. Read more: Dosher Drug Drop Reports Turnout of Nearly 450 Households
2. October 2023, nearly 300 local households discarded 6,550 expired or unwanted narcotic pills and nearly 1,311 milliliters of narcotic liquids. Read more: Dosher Drug Drop Reports Turnout of Nearly 300 Households

The 26th semi-annual “Operation Medicine Cabinet” drug take back event at Dosher Memorial Hospital is scheduled for Wednesday April 10th, between the hours of 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. Local residents are invited to drop off unwanted and expired prescription medications at the hospital front entrance, where law enforcement then takes what is collected for safe incineration. One of the conveniences of this event is that it is designed so that you can “drive through and drop off,” without having to leave your car. 

Read more at: News - Dosher drug drop set for Wednesday April 10th

April 22, 2024 Medication Take Back Event  Outcomes