The problems associated with prescription drug abuse exist in communities across Northern Ontario. 

Timmins agencies are working together to collect unused medications from people's homes in hopes of keeping them off the streets.   

Lynda Geddes is taking advantage of this prescription drop off day to get rid of some medications she's had in her home. 

"I had medications left from last year when my partner passed away and there things like Lorazepam and Morphine and a number of things that I certainly don't need any longer," said Geddes.

"Now my grandchildren are living in my home, so it was just kind of an alarming thought that those things would be sitting around."

"We know that a lot of the prescription meds that are abused are obtained from for example theft from people's medicine cabinets or if medication is just left unsecured in somebody's home," added Kate Cantin, Timmins Police Service communications coordinator.

Timmins police have seen firsthand the effects of medication abuse.

On Monday, officers administered Naloxone to a woman suffering a suspected opioid overdose.

"Anytime you get prescription drugs or any type of drugs in the hands of the wrong people, being used the wrong way there's serious repercussions that come with that," said Inspector Rick Blanchette, Timmins Police Service.

Most of the people dropping off meds are seniors and Porcupine Health Unit officials are here to offer advice.

"We're helping to ensure that they're taking what they're supposed to be taking and what they're taking won't have any adverse effects where it's more toxic or less toxic based on the expiry date," said Patrick Nowak, a public health nurse.

This is the fourth year for this drop off.

People drive through, hand over the pills and no questions are asked. 

Last year, 73 pounds of medications were collected and incinerated by police.

For people like Geddes, this opportunity was an excellent reminder to clean out the medicine cabinet. 

Officials add any medications people don't want in their homes anymore can also be taken to a pharmacy.