LAS VEGAS, Nev. - In Nevada, 6,323 pounds, or three tons, of unused, unwanted, and expired prescription medications were turned-in at the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day held in April, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Trutanich for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Neill for the DEA.
“These results are heartening. Nevadans recognize that combating the opioid epidemic starts with prevention," said U.S. Attorney Trutanich. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to continue working in communities to turn the tide on this public health and safety crisis."
Nationwide, the total weight collected was 937,443 pounds, or 468 tons, of prescription medications. There were 4,969 participating law enforcement agencies and 6,258 collection sites throughout the country.
Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 70,237 drug overdose deaths occurred in the United States in 2017. Take Back Day is part of a nationwide effort sponsored by the DEA and it is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of prescription drugs.
Complete results for DEA’s spring Take Back Day are available at www.DEATakeBack.com.
The next Take Back Day is Oct. 26, 2019.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
