BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in support of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29. The biannual event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at sites across Alabama.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided an easy, no-cost opportunity to dispose of medicines stored in the home that are susceptible to misuse and theft.
Opioid misuse remains at epidemic levels in the United States. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
“The national opioid epidemic devastates families every day," U.S. Attorney Escalona said. “We can help protect our loved ones by properly disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs in our possession. It’s free, easy, and anonymous."
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said, “Drug poisoning deaths continue to climb at record rates. Sadly, the majority of the misuse and addiction starts with prescription drugs found in home medicine cabinets. DEA’s Take-Back event provides citizens a convenient and safe way to rid their homes of unneeded medications, protecting the health and safety of our communities. I urge you to do your part to keep prescription drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, approximately 107,622 people died as the result of a drug poisoning last year. This means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug poisoning every five minutes.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The event will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at close to 15,000 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses prescription disposal locations. In addition, many police departments provide year-round drop boxes.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
