DEA To Hold 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day This Saturday
Event will take place from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, September 26th
NEW ORLEANS - This Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, come to one of the almost 5,000 collection sites around the nation to return all unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs for safe and anonymous disposal. This is the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’(DEA’s) 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day in the past five years. Collection sites in every local community, manned by DEA and its local law enforcement and community partners, can be found by going to www.dea.gov or calling 800-882-9539. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses vital public safety and health issues. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - posing safety and environmental hazards.
"Prescription drug trafficking and abuse is our nation’s fastest growing drug problem and destroys countless lives. This widespread problem can only be countered by an effective collaboration among law enforcement, the medical community, and the public to identify and stop those responsible for the illegal distribution and abuse of prescription drugs in our communities. This initiative provides a safe way for our citizens to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs and reduce the threat they pose to public health,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith Brown.
DEA’s previous nine nationwide Take-Back events collected 4,823,251 pounds-more than 2,411 tons-of drugs.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
