NORTON — Kansans living in Norton County and surrounding areas now have a place to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. Valley Hope is partnering with Moffet Drug Pharmacy, Norton Regional Health Foundation and Norton County Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs to offer a prescription drug disposal unit manufactured by MedSafe and available to the public.

Individuals can dispose of prescriptions at Moffet Drug, 102 S. State, Norton, normal business hours, which are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mondays-Fridays, and 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays.

“We have a ton of people that bring medicine in, and ask us how to dispose of it,” said Abby Rice, owner of Moffet drug along with her husband, Chase Rice. “Up until now, there was really only one day a year to get rid of prescriptions. The need is great, and hopefully this provides a safe way to dispose of unneeded or unwanted prescriptions.”

The disposal unit is certified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Once the unit is full, the prescriptions are taken by MedSafe and incinerated.

“We know that too many unused prescriptions end up in the wrong hands, which contributes to drug abuse and addiction,” said Valley Hope President and CEO Pat George. “Whether that someone is using another family member’s prescription without permission or someone stealing prescriptions to sell on the street, it’s better for everyone if any unused or unneeded prescriptions are dispose of quickly. This gives people a way to do that safely.”

The unit can take prescriptions but not needles or other sharps, Rice said. Glass vials containing insulin are accepted for disposal. For questions about disposing of prescriptions or using the disposal site, call Moffet Drug at (785) 877-2721.

— Submitted