DEA Hosts the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24th
SEATTLE – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with more than 4,300 law enforcement partners, will host the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The DEA Seattle Field Division is working with more than 90 law enforcement partners across the Pacific Northwest with collection sites in Washington (49), Oregon (18), Idaho (25), and Alaska (7).
More than 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country to dispose of unneeded, expired, and unused prescription medications. This is a simple step that prevents diversion, reduces the risk of accidental poisonings, and helps protect communities.
“Since 2010, Take Back Day has helped Americans remove more than twenty million pounds of unneeded medications from their homes,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “By participating in Take Back Day, you are preventing potentially addictive medications from falling into the wrong hands – a small step that can save lives. I am grateful to the thousands of law enforcement and community partners who make these events possible, and I urge everyone to take a few minutes on Saturday, October 24, to clean out your medicine cabinets.”
“Preventing prescription drug misuse starts at home. By safely disposing of unused and expired medications, we can prevent diversion and reduce the risk of accidental poisonings.” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA and our more than 90 law enforcement partners across the Pacific Northwest are committed to protecting our communities, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of Take Back Day. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”
What will be collected
- Tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription medications
- Liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers
What won’t be collected
- Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs
Why it matters
- Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
- Removing unneeded medications from the home reduces the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion.
Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find a registered Take Back location near you. If you are unable to participate in this fall’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are more than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police
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