The Punta Gorda Fire Department, in cooperation with the Punta Gorda Police Department and Drug Free Charlotte County, takes a proactive stance by helping to remove and properly dispose of unused/unneeded prescription medications.

The goal of "Operation Medicine Cabinet" is to get rid of dangerous and potentially deadly prescription drugs before they fall into the wrong hands. An additional benefit of the program is it will help to prevent drugs/medications from being disposed of improperly, resulting in reduced impact on the environment

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 6 million people over the age of 12 will begin to abuse prescription drugs in the next year. Every day in the United States approximately 2,500 youths, between the ages of 12 and 17, abuse prescription drugs for the first time.

Bring your unused/unneeded or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Punta Gorda Fire Department located at 1410 Tamiami Trail. The service is available 7AM-5PM seven days a week.