JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new program making prescription drug disposal easier, safer and more convenient was launched Tuesday at a Walgreens pharmacy on Jacksonville's Southside.
As part of the Safe Medication Disposal Program, 62 kiosks have been installed at Walgreens pharmacies across the state, including two in Jacksonville. The kiosk, which are made of stainless steel, are bolted to the ground and have a special flap that prevents anyone from grabbing the prescriptions drugs inside.
According to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 6.5 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 2014, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a total of 47,055 drug overdose deaths, which include prescription and illicit drugs, during the same year.
Walgreens, along with state leaders, hope the new program will help decrease the numbers and combat prescription drug abuse.
"We saw the continual growth of the problem and we think it's our way of being part of the solution," said Michael Carraleo, the director of pharmacy and retail operations for Walgreens.
Some of the few options that people have to dispose of prescriptions drugs is flushing pills or throwing them in the trash, which raises environmental concerns.
"Yes, I'm guilty. I soaked them in water and then flushed it down the toilet," said state Sen. Audrey Gibson.
Now, Gibson is calling for residents to get rid of their pills the right way by tossing them in one of the kiosks.
Within minutes of the unveiling at the Walgreens on Beach Boulevard, many people were already taking advantage of the new program.
Maxine Wood said the kiosk is a convenient and safe alternative to dispose of outdated or unused prescriptions.
"I don't have to worry about them anymore. It's not in my house. It's not a danger. And it's not in a landfill and not in the water," Wood said.
State officials said most people who abuse prescription drugs are getting them from friends of family members, which is why it's important for people to clear out their medicine cabinets.
Rita Patrick also took advantage of the new kiosk, saying she worries about having old prescriptions in the house that children can get a hold of.
"That's what I've been looking for for years, What can I do with these things? And I feel like it's bingo. I hit it today," Patrick said.
According to Walgreens, it will cost the company millions to keep the program running nationwide and Stericycle, a waste management services company, will empty the kiosks quarterly and properly dispose of the prescription drugs.
There are kiosks in two Walgreens in Jacksonville -- the pharmacy at 6006 Beach Blvd. and the one at 1801 N, Davis Street. Both stores are open 24 hours, so prescription drugs can be dropped off anytime.
There are other drug drop-off locations that are open 24 hours of day in the Jacksonville area as well. Prescription drugs can be dropped off at the Forsyth Entrance of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Police Memorial Building on North Washington Street, next the jail, or at the Neptune Beach Police Department, located at 200 Lemon Street.