The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has scheduled a National
Prescription Drug Take-Back Day which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity for people to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.
Earlier this year citizens turned
in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired
medications for safe and proper disposal at the 5,659 take-back sites that were
available in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
There have been four previous collections and when all the Take-Back Days are combined, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal
law-enforcement and community partners have removed over 1.5 million pounds (774
tons) of medication from circulation.
DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart says that they are working to find a permanent solution, but until then will continue to host these events.
"While a uniform
system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to
sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities," said Leonhart.
"Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse
and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events
are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state,
federal, local, and tribal partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them
for their efforts on behalf of the American people."
There are many take-back sites in the area including the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office in Kearney, the Nebraska Attorney General Office in Grand Island, and the Hastings Police Department.
There are many other places to drop off prescription drugs, to find those locations go to http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/.
