Page 98 - April 2015 Life In Naples Magazine

A DOSE OF PREVENTION
FOR YOUR MEDICINE CABINET

I s your medicine cabinet filled with prescription and over-the-counter medication that
you no longer use? If so, Drug Free Collier can help you clean up your act. Volunteers
with Operation Medicine Cabinet® will be on hand at multiple locations throughout
Collier County on Saturday, April 25, 2015 to help residents safely dispose of unwanted
household medication.

Since 1993, Operation Medicine Cabinet has been working to keep harmful drugs from
falling into the wrong hands by providing a responsible alternative that protects our kids and
our environment. Last year, volunteers collected more than 8,700 pounds of prescription
pills and assorted medicines for safe disposal. “We are thrilled that so many members of our
community are now more mindful of how they use, store and safely dispose of household
medication,” said Melanie Black, Executive Director of Drug Free Collier.

“As we learn more about the risks of unsecured medication in our homes and the impact of
pharmaceuticals on our water supply, more people are resisting the temptation to flush them
down the toilet or throw them out with the trash,” said Black.

With the rise of prescription drug abuse and overdose deaths reaching epidemic proportions in recent years, Operation
Medicine Cabinet® has been an essential element of prevention. It’s a simple, yet powerful way for each adult in our
community to take an active role in preventing further tragedies.

Over the years, Operation Medicine Cabinet has gained national attention and has grown thanks to the efforts of
Veora Little and dozens of dedicated volunteers. Her involvement began in 2006 when
a handful of local elementary students were transported to the hospital after taking
prescription medication that was brought to school by another student. “After learning
about this incident, Veora recognized that something more needed to be done to keep
this from happening again and immediately took action and volunteered to spearhead
Operation Medicine Cabinet,” Black said.
Collier County now has 11 permanent drop-boxes where residents can conveniently
and safely dispose of unwanted household medication. “Operation Medicine Cabinet
would not be where it is today without the leadership, dedication and innovation of Veora
Little,” said Black.
“Prescription pill abuse is preventable,” Black said. “You can be part of the solution by
locking up your medication at home since it’s widely known that individuals who abuse
prescription drugs often get them from the medicine cabinets of their family members and
friends,” Black added. It’s also a good idea to keep a written inventory of all medication.
Both prescription and over-the-counter medication are accepted at each drop box with

no questions asked. All pharmaceuticals are destroyed through incineration, a method which environmental specialists
consider to be the best option for disposal.
VEORA LITTLE,,VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
OF OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET

MELANIE BLACK, EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR OF DRUG FREE COLLIER.

98 Life in Naples | April 2015