New Jersey residents surrender more than 12,000 pounds of prescription pills during 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
NEWARK, N.J. – Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division Valerie A. Nickerson announced that New Jersey residents turned in 12,749 pounds or 6.3 tons of expired, unused, and unwanted prescriptions during DEA’s 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 27. Nationally, more than 900,000 pounds of prescription medications were collected at nearly 6,000 sites across the country.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, 181 police departments throughout New Jersey participated in the collection of the expired, unused, and unwanted prescriptions at 197 collection sites. Residents were able to come to the various drop-off locations to safely dispose of these potentially dangerous prescription drugs. Over the course of the 16 Take Back Day events, New Jersey residents surrendered more than 244,621 pounds or 123 tons of medications. Nationally, more than 10,878,950 pounds, or 5,439.5 tons, have been collected since the program’s inception in 2010.
“The results of our most recent Take Back Day clearly demonstrate a need for this initiative as a tool in the fight against America’s opioid crisis,” said Acting DEA Administrator Uttam Dhillon. “The success of this event is a direct reflection of DEA’s commitment to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths in the U.S. Together, we are all helping to make a difference to keep our friends and families safe.”
“Once again, the residents of New Jersey have played their part in helping to reduce the available supply of unused prescriptions from their homes,” said Special Agent in Charge Nickerson. “This current crisis spreads across all demographics and everyone can play a role to aid in its reduction. Thanks to all the residents and police departments in New Jersey and across the country who participated in this very important day.”
Complete results for DEA’s fall Take Back Day are available here. DEA’s next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is April 27, 2019.
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