DEA 20th ANNUAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 1026

Posted by: RStokes
[email protected]
334-790-1729
Date: Apr 23 2021 8:58 PM

DEA Announces 20th Prescription Drug Take Back Day
On the heels of the largest collection to-date, federal, state and local partners prepare for April event
 
April 21, 2021 – With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration announces their 20th Take Back Day, which is scheduled for April 24th. At their last Take Back Day in October, DEA collected a record-high amount of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. With studies indicating a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period. The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin prior to the COVID-19 health emergency, but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic.
 
SpectraCare Health Systems is partnering with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston County Extension Office to provide a Prescription Drug Take Back Event this Saturday, April 24th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Houston County Farm Center. The community is encouraged to visit the collection site to drop off any expired, unwanted, or no longer needed medications.
 
The agencies will be on hand to collect both prescription drugs, and over the counter medications. In addition to the medications, vaping devices and cartridge will also be accepted at this site, provided lithium batteries are removed. Illegal drugs will not be accepted
 
Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way these local agencies are working to reduce addiction and prevent overdose deaths.
 
Learn more about the event by calling (800) 951-4357 x3003; or via email: [email protected].

<- back