Community Corner

OASIS on the Move: Be Sure to Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

You can bring your unused medications to the police station, where it can now be properly disposed. No questions asked.

Hello, my name is Karen Hall and I wanted to introduce myself.  Some of you know me as the Youth Commission Director and some of you know me as the Council on Aging Director (I wear many hats). A select few also know me as MOM.  

My third (tenth) hat is co-chair of the .  As you get to know and hear the many different voices of O.A.S.I.S. you see we each bring something unique to the coalition and to Stoughton. 

In both aspects of my work I see people doing amazing things: working, volunteering, taking care of family (both young and wise) cleaning off cars in October.  

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In our mad rush we sometimes have projects that we never get to or forget about on a regular basis.   My goal for this piece to remind you to put a certain chore on the top of your list - .

Many people do not finish all of their prescribed medication once they are feeling better (I know I am guilty). 

Find out what's happening in Stoughtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is important to know that, while most kids do not use prescription drugs; some do abuse prescribed medications.  One way to combat this is by limiting access to these medications.  

Here are some tips:

  • Take medication only as prescribed
  • If you can’t get to the police station, throw away all unused medication (DO NOT FLUSH IT) preferably in used coffee grounds
  • Dispose of all expired medication
  • Know what medications are in your house and how many you have
  • Be aware any medication used for pain

Taking these precautions may be things that you know and already do regularly.  If so, we thank you, and you are one of many people keeping kids safe and reducing risk.  If this is new to you, I hope you will take a moment to clean out your medicine cabinet dispose of unused and old medication and join us in the fight to reduce substance use among our youth.

If you have a question for a coalition member you can: (1) submit it online at www.stoughtonoasis.org, (2) post it to the O.A.S.I.S. facebook page or, (3) send it to: Stephanie Patton, SYC, 110 Rockland Street, Stoughton, MA 02072.

Your questions will be shared with a coalition member that can best answer the question and the reply will be posted on the O.A.S.I.S. web site. Frequently asked questions may appear in future articles. Look for “” regularly on Stoughton Patch.

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