290 pounds of medicines dropped off

Home Instead Senior Care collected 290 pounds of medications Saturday in an effort designed to give metro-area residents an alternative to flushing unwanted pills down the toilet.

Home Instead spokeswoman Trisha Groth said people in more than 200 cars dropped off pills during Operation Medicine Cabinet, which was held in a parking lot at 78th and Dodge Streets.

"It went so, so well," Groth said. "We really feel that we made a difference."

Douglas County Sheriff's Office representatives will incinerate the pills.

Many people traditionally have discarded expired and unwanted medications by flushing them or putting them in the trash. There is increasing concern that such medicines are beginning to contaminate rivers and lakes. Pharmacy experts also say senior citizens need to get rid of expired medications so the pills aren't confused with those the seniors should be taking.

Home Instead said the medicine giveback was the first of its kind in Omaha. The firm will do it again, Groth said.

Omaha-based Home Instead has independently owned franchises around the world. A few have conducted similar operations. The firm helps senior citizens remain in their homes by providing companionship and assistance.

• Contact the writer: 444-1123, rick.ruggles@owh.com