BERLIN – Worcester County residents are urged to participate in the countywide drug take back effort, Operation Medicine Drop, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.

Operation Medicine Drop: Safe Communities-Healthy Waterways is a chance to safely dispose of unwanted, unused or expired over-the-counter and prescription medications by dropping them off at the following designated sites throughout the county: Pocomoke Health Center, 400-A Walnut Street; Snow Hill Health Department, 6040 Public Landing Road; Berlin Police Department, 10 Williams Street; Food Lion, Rt. 611 in West Ocean City; and Food Lion, Manklin Creek Rd. in Ocean Pines.

Additionally, Town of Ocean City Police Dept. and Ocean Pines Police Dept. offices both have permanent drop-off boxes for safe disposal of medications all year long.

Local law enforcement officers and volunteers will assist residents as they drop off their medicine at the designated drop off sites.  There is no charge for this service and no questions asked.

“Operation Medicine Drop events are an important part of our community outreach,” said Assateague Coastkeeper Kathy Phillips.  “By not flushing medications, or throwing them in the trash can, we are able to keep thousands of pounds of pharmaceuticals out of our waterways and our drinking water.”

Worcester County Health Department Deputy Health Officer Dr. Andrea Mathias added, “Safety is no accident. This is a chance for people to prevent prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from being misused or abused. It also keeps dangerous substances away from small children and pets who may accidentally ingest them."