Want to jump on the spring-cleaning bandwagon while supporting an important public health issue? Take a moment this weekend and clean out your medicine cabinet. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring a nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative in an effort to combat increased drug abuse and theft. On Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the DEA will be collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at collection sites nationwide. This is a free and anonymous service.
This is the second time the DEA is conducting the “Take-Back” initiative, due to the success of the first take-back day last September, when the American public turned in more than 121 tons of pills. More than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
Check www.dea.gov to find collection sites added in your area.