Every three years, Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital (FHFMH) partners with other local health care organizations and community leaders to assess the health needs of Manitowoc County. Prescription or over-the-counter drug abuse is one of the key health issues identified in Manitowoc County.

To prevent unused medications from falling into the wrong hands or entering the environment and water supply, FHFMH hosted the community’s first Medication Take Back event in April as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This effort was a collaboration between Manitowoc County Recycling Center & Compost Sites, Manitowoc Police Department and Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit.

The event was open to the public for the safe disposal of most medications. This included prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, patches, non-aerosol sprays, inhalers, creams, liquids, and pet medications. Approximately 352 pounds of medications were collected during the event.