Operation Medicine Cabinet

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The creation of Operation Medicine Cabinet, a prescription drug take back program implemented by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in July 2009, illustrates to keeping citizens healthier and safer, protecting their young people from the harmful misuse of prescription drugs, understanding the needs of seniors, and the environmental implications related to the improper or unsafe disposal of medications. Operation Medicine Cabinet allows members of the community to clear out their medicine cabinets of outdated or unused prescription drugs in an environmentally safe manner. The program provides citizens a convenient, lawful (Drug Enforcement Administration authorized), and environmentally safe venue for properly disposing of expired and/or unused prescriptions at several different locations around Oakland County. Currently, there are four OMC drop-off sites, including three local Sheriff’s Office sites as well as the Royal Oak Police Department. Operation Medicine Cabinet has received overwhelming support from the community, other law enforcement agencies, environmental groups, senior and youth advocacy groups, and medical and health professionals.