DEA Announces 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
DEA highlights many ways to dispose of unwanted, unused prescription drugs during pandemic.
The DEA is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24 at locations across the country. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
"#TakeBackDay is everyday!" says DEA Acting Administrator Shea. For more information about #DEATakeBack go to https://t.co/vJNotWwtKW. pic.twitter.com/6fxmUCmYkW
— DEA HQ (@DEAHQ) October 24, 2020
Given the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, DEA wants to ensure that the public is aware of other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
In addition to DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, prescription drugs can be disposed of at any of the 11,000 DEA authorized collectors at any time throughout the year.
Pointe Coupee General Hospital has a take-back box, the Medsafe medication disposal — available 7 days a week, from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM — located on the first floor near the Laboratory Department’s entrance.
DEA also encourages the public to reach out to their local law enforcement to find out if they have any permanent drug disposal locations throughout their local community. DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
More information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, including where to locate a collection site near you, is available online.
Those suffering from addiction and seeking assistance are encourage to reach out to Pointe Coupee Human Services Center. PCHSC specializes in appropriate, effective, community-based prevention, treatment, and assessment/referral services for individuals faced with chemical use problems.
