Public Response To DEA’s 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Remains Robust
SAN FRANCISCO - Results from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this past Saturday demonstrate the public’s continued appreciation and need for the opportunity to discard unwanted, unused and expired prescription drugs.
On September 26, 2015, Northern California and Central Valley residents turned in approximately 24,832 pounds - (12 tons) of unwanted and expired medications at 169 collection sites manned by 108 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that partnered with DEA on the event. Approximately 151 tons has been collected from the region during the ten prescription drug take-back events held since September 2010.
“We are thankful for the continued remarkable public response to this event. Residents have made their community and home safer by participating,” stated DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Bruce C. Balzano. “The success of this event would not be possible without the support of our partnering agencies and we look forward to working with them again on the next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.”
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. 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 at alarming rates, 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 medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards.
