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Medical Society of New Jersey Joins with Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society for Project Medicine Drop Off on "Make a Difference Day," October 26

Medical Society of New Jersey Joins with Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society for Project Medicine Drop Off on “Make a Difference Day,” October 26

On Saturday, October 26, the Medical Society of New Jersey and the Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society are asking residents of these two counties to “Make a Difference” by cleaning out their medicine cabinets and dropping off their unused and expired drugs in designated, permanent drop-off boxes located at police stations throughout the counties.

Project Medicine Drop, sponsored by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, is responsible for placing secured drop boxes in the headquarters of participating police departments. New Jersey residents are encouraged to use any drop-off box that is convenient for them, not just those located within their county or municipality. Prescription painkiller overdoses kill more people in the U.S. than heroin and cocaine combined so the proper disposal of these medications is key to reducing the medicine-abuse problem in New Jersey and other states throughout the nation.

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“I applaud the Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society for their commitment to combat prescription drug abuse,” said Assemblyman Dave Rible. “We are fortunate to have dedicated doctors participating in preventing prescription drug diversion.”

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini, also a substance abuse professional, stated, "I have long advocated for efforts that will assist in combating prescription drug diversion, which can have tragic consequences. In recent months, Monmouth and Ocean counties have experienced a staggering number of drug overdoses, many of which involve prescription drugs. I hope people will take advantage of these drop-off locations.”

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“We wanted to do something to highlight the importance of getting unused prescription medicines out of the home and into these boxes for their safe disposal,” said Bruce Bonanno, M.D., co-president, Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society. “We thank our partners at the Medical Society of New Jersey and law enforcement for helping us bring this important initiative to the forefront,” he added.

Participating police departments in Monmouth County: Howell, Marlboro, Spring Lake.

Participating police departments in Ocean County: Lacey, Manchester, Seaside Heights, Toms River.

To find the drop box nearest to you and for information about how to keep your medications safe, call 1-800-242-5846 or visit www.NJConsumerAffairs.gov/meddrop.

Photo Caption: Gathered around the Project Medicine Drop Box at Toms River Police Department, appearing from left to right are Senator Robert Singer; Bruce Bonanno, M.D., Co-President, Monmouth-Ocean Medical Society; Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini; Assemblyman David Rible; Toms River Municipal Employee; Douglas S. Collier, Drug Initiative Coordinator, New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs; and Mishael Azam, Chief Operating Officer, Medical Society of New Jersey. 

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