Biannual event aimed at curbing abuse
This Saturday, April 28, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The events, which takes place nationwide between the hours of 10 a.m.–2 p.m., 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.
This week’s event will be the 15th Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event has become a biannual happening, with one date scheduled each April and one each October since 2011.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Past events have seen impressive level of participation. The last scheduled Prescription Drug Take Back Day (October 2017) saw over 5,000 nationwide locations accept over 450 tons in unwanted prescription medications.
To find your local participating collection site, visit the DEA’s specially created website for the event.
