Spring Drug Take-Back Day collects more than 600 pounds of medications

HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health collected more than 600 pounds of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications and filled more than 18 large sharps containers for safe disposal during National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on April 26.

The health system accepted medications and needles/syringes at seven locations — Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, Medical Group practices in Elizabethtown, Harrisburg and Palmyra, and Penn State Health Specialty Services in Camp Hill.

This event was held in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bern Township, Derry Township, East Pennsboro, East Hempfield, Elizabethtown Borough, Lower Paxton and North Londonderry Township police departments. Similar events were held at 4,590 collection sites across the country. 

“National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days are another example of the many ways Penn State Health works to protect the health and safety of our communities,” said Deborah Addo, Penn State Health president and chief operating officer. “Safely disposing of unneeded medications can help prevent misuse, reduce the risk of accidental poisoning, and keep water sources cleaner and safer.”

Penn State Health has participated in the events, which take place twice a year, since 2015. Those efforts have collected more than 7,000 pounds of unwanted and expired medications and more than 300 large sharps containers full of used needles and syringes.

Since 2019, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center has partnered with the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office to provide drug return boxes year-round. These boxes are available for drug disposal during regular business hours at three Hershey locations:

• 30 Hope Drive, inside Entrance B
• Penn State Cancer Institute, near the pharmacy by the main entrance
• University Physician Center lobby, Door 4, near the pharmacy

Preventing substance misuse is a key part of Penn State Health’s focus on mental health as a priority health need. Learn more about Penn State Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan.