"Operation: Medicine Cabinet"

Keeps Drugs Out of the Wrong Hands and Our Water Supply

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Medicines left unattended or disposed of carelessly are a danger, whether it's through accidental ingestion, illegal use, identity theft, or contamination of water supplies. But the public can now safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications during Operation: Medicine Cabinet.  

Event sponsor Home Instead Senior Care of San Mateo is joining with Longs Drugs, Magnolia of Millbrae senior living community, and local law enforcement for this one-day public awareness event scheduled for Friday, Sept. 12, in the Burlingame Plaza parking lot of Longs Drugs, 1871 El Camino Real, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

"Operation: Medicine Cabinet not only helps educate the public on how proper disposal protects people and pets from accidental ingestion but also prevents illegal use of the drugs or theft of identity from prescription labels," said Martie Cruz, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in San Mateo, which provides non-medical, in-home care and companionship for seniors.

"Also, many residents flush their medications down the toilet or down a drain," she said. "But our wastewater treatment system is not designed to remove these types of contaminants from the water supply."

A vast array of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers, and sex hormones, were found in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas, according to a recent Associated Press investigation.  

Collection of medications during Operation: Medicine Cabinet will be supervised by the Burlingame Police Department and properly disposed of by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department.

For more information, contact Cruz at (650) 522-8009 or visit www.SeniorsBayArea.com.