National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Collects Nearly 600,000poundsin 2023

On April 27, 2024, communities across the United States participated in the 26th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, an initiative aimed at preventing the misuse of prescription medications. The event, organized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has been instrumental in removing almost 18 million pounds of unneeded medications from circulation since its inception.

Why this matters: The proper disposal of prescription medications is essential in preventing the opioid crisis and substance abuse, as misuse of these drugs can have devastating consequences on individuals and communities. By promoting safe disposal practices, events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can help reduce the risk of drug-related overdoses and deaths. By promoting safe disposal practices, events like National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can help reduce the risk of drug-related overdoses and deaths.

The Commerce City Police Department in Colorado was among the nearly 5,000 locations nationwide that hosted the event. They collected thousands of expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, contributing to the staggering 599,897 press of unwanted medications collected nationally in 2023.

Local efforts played a vital role in the success of the event. In Laredo, Texas, the Webb County Community Coalition of Serving Children and Adults in Need, led by Program Director Veronica Jimenez, organized a local event that collected 1,150 pounds of prescribed, unwanted medication. Jimenez emphasized the importance of proper disposal, stating,"A majority of people who misused prescription medication obtained it from a family member or friend."

The event also highlighted the serious safety and environmental threats posed by improper disposal of prescription medications. Jimenez warned that unwanted medicine cannot be flushed down the toilet, as conventional wastewater treatment is not effective at eliminating pharmaceutical compounds, which can lead to child poisonings, illegal use, and contamination of streams and drinking water.

In Kankakee County, Illinois, approximately 725 article of unwanted prescription drugs were turned in for disposal at Northfield Square mall. The collection effort was a collaborative effort between various local organizations, including the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KAMEG), Pledge for Life Partnership, and local law enforcement agencies.

For those unable to attend the disposal event, permanent medication disposal programs are available in manycommunity. In Webb County, Texas, the program is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Webb County, Texas, the program is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at locations including the Webb County Sheriff's Office and the TAMIU Police Department.

The success of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day highlights the importance of involvement in addressing the opioid crisis and preventing prescription drug misuse. By providing a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted medications, the event helps to reduce the risk of these drugs falling into the wrong hands and contributing to the ongoing epidemic of substance abuse.

Key Takeaways

• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day collected 599,897 pounds of unwanted meds in 2023.
• Proper disposal of prescription meds helps prevent opioid crisis and substance abuse.
• Improper disposal can lead to child poisonings, illegal use, and water contamination.
• Permanent medication disposal programs are available in many communities.
• The event helps reduce the risk of drugs falling into the wrong hands.