By Andrea Calcagno & Associated Press
March 13, 2010
MEDFORD, Ore. -- An overwhelming number of people are dropping off prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicince after a state-wide request.
The drug disposal sites are being sponsored by the Oregon Medical Association Alliance, Community Action to Reduce Substance Abuse and Oregon Partnership.
 
The sponsors say the disposal will keep drugs out of the hands of people who might abuse them and also keep drugs from polluting the environment.
 
"Well, it is such a problem today, particularly with today's youth, because they go into somebody's house, they find a prescription, they'll borrow it, take it, steal it, whatever you want to call it. And it ends up in the student body or being sold or traded with other students," said Bob Russell with the Eagle Point and Upper Rogue Chamber.
 
Experts say, flushing drugs down the toilette or the sink can contribute to traces of drugs found in waterways.
 
"The problem is we don't know about long term exposure to certain medicines, even though its minute amounts that they're finding. Long term exposure to like hormones or mood modifying medicines or anti-depressants, things like the seizure medicines which they are finding in the water in minute amounts," Pharmacist Marc Ditommaso said.
 
Those unable to turn in old drugs can still prevent them entering waterways by putting them in the garbage.
 
"Smash it up, put it in coffee grounds or cat litter or something undesirable, even liquid you can mix in with the coffee grounds," Ditommaso said.
The list of sites is available on the Oregon Medical Association's Web site.