Boston, MA - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is continuing its efforts to take back unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications with it 11th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. On April 30, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the DEA invites the public to bring their potentially dangerous, unwanted medicines to one of the hundreds of collection sites all over New England.
The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov clicking on the “Got Drugs" icon, and entering the zip code into the search window, or they can call 800-882-9539.
All across America and especially here in New England we are experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose and death due to abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers. 6.5 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, according to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which is more than abuse cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens combined.
Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. The removal from homes of unwanted prescription pills that can be abused, stolen or resold is an easy way to help fight the epidemic of substance abuse and addiction.
“Many Americans are not aware that medicines which languish in home cabinets are highly vulnerable to diversion, misuse, and abuse," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. “Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming levels, as are the number of accidental poisoning and overdoses due to the illegal use of these drugs. Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse."
“The opioid epidemic has tragically struck in Connecticut as it has in many other parts of our country," said Deirdre M. Daly, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. “Hundreds of families from all over our state have lost loved ones to drug overdoses. The numbers of deaths are increasing and far too often the abuse started with painkillers or other prescription narcotics. Again and again, we find victims who were injured and became addicted to legally-prescribed opioids, or family members and friends who experiment with leftover pills they find in medicine cabinets. You may be surprised by the quantity and types of drugs you have in your home. I strongly urge you to collect all of your excess drugs and dispose of them this Saturday at one of nearly 70 locations across our state. By doing so, you may be saving someone close to you from addiction, or much worse."
During the last and 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, the New England Field Division over the course of four hours collected 67,107 pounds of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at 596 collection sites throughout New England.
Many local police departments across Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont maintain drop-off receptacles so the public can dispose of unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications seven days a week throughout the year with no questions asked.
For more information contact:
Special Agent Tim Desmond
Drug Enforcement Administration
New England Field Division
617-557-2463
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
