Sheriff’s office, health district promote safe medication disposal

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and the Carroll County General Health District are partnering to encourage residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications ahead of National Drug Take Back Day on April 25.

As part of the effort, officials are highlighting the permanent drug takeback box located in the lobby of the sheriff’s office at 43 Second St. SE. The box is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a safe and convenient option for residents.

“This has been going on for the past 15 years at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office,” said Sgt. Edward L. Hale. “These medications are taken off the streets and out of homes to prevent overdoses of adults, seniors, children and even pets.”

Hale said the program has collected a significant amount of medication over the years, with thousands of pounds removed from circulation. On average, multiple collection boxes weighing about 60 pounds each are transported for secure disposal twice a year.

The takeback box was obtained through a grant from the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators at no cost to county taxpayers.

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted. Items not accepted include inhalers, illicit drugs, liquids, needles and syrups. Residents are encouraged to keep medications in their original packaging when possible, with personal information removed. Loose tablets should be placed in a sealed bag before being deposited.

“Proper medication disposal is a critical step in preventing accidental poisoning and reducing prescription drug misuse,” said Angela Pavlik, community engagement coordinator for the Carroll County General Health District.

According to the 2024 Carroll County Community Health Assessment, one in three residents report knowing someone who has experienced a drug overdose.

The health district is also expanding access to overdose prevention resources. In 2025, its Project DAWN, Deaths Avoided With Naloxone, program distributed 545 naloxone kits throughout the community.

In addition, the health district is partnering with Beacon Charitable Pharmacy to offer community drop-in days, providing access to a licensed pharmacist for consultations, medication assistance and help accessing affordable prescriptions. The program also accepts certain unused, unexpired, non-controlled medications for redistribution to individuals in need.

Drop-in days are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carroll County General Health District, 301 Moody Ave. SW.

The health district also offers a sharps disposal box in its upper-level lobby, available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The service allows residents to safely dispose of used needles, syringes and similar items in a sealed container.

For more information, residents may call 330-627-4866, ext. 1530.