On Saturday, April 27, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 26th nationwide Prescription Drug Take Back initiative. The initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.
Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for liquid and pill medications. Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken. Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – pose both potential safety and health hazards.
Once again, as ISP is partnering with the DEA, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Toll Road Post. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27.
To locate the State Police Post closest to your home or business, click here. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, click here.