NEW JERSEY – All across the nation, the DEA will be holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 24.
This national event intends 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.
Prescription drug abuse in the United States is extremely high along with the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies state that most prescription drug abuse is obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
“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.”
“I can’t stress enough how important it is for everyone to secure their medications, and if they are no longer needed to properly dispose of them,” said Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s New Jersey Division Susan A. Gibson. “Residents of New Jersey have really answered the call when it comes to disposing of their prescription medications. Since the inception of this program more than 277,000 pounds of unwanted, unused or expired medications have been collected and destroyed in New Jersey.”
All sites will be complying COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit deatakeback.com.
