DEA and Partners to Hold National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27

MIAMI – With robust public participation over the course of 16 prior events, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft, or abuse by family members and visitors; including children and teens.  In continuation of this effort DEA, along with their national, tribal, and community partners will hold the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country on Saturday, April 27^th.  The drug take back service is free and anonymous for the public.

Now in its ninth year, DEA has collected nearly 11 million pounds (more than 5,400 tons) of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events.  This weekend, approximately 6,000 collection sites manned by nearly 5,000 law enforcement partner agencies will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.  The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539. (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharp material.)

"Addiction causes a tremendous amount of pain and suffering, not just for those addicted to drugs but also for their family members and friends," said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon.  "Helping people keep their loved ones safe by disposing of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications is just one of many ways that DEA is working to break the cycle of addiction and overdose deaths plaguing this country."

“Keeping our homes free of harmful prescription medication, when no longer needed, is a way of keeping everyone safe.” said Adolphus P. Wright, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division.  “We strongly encourage the public to do your part by discarding your expired, unused, and unwanted medications at any of the 200+ sites throughout Florida.” 

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these medicines.  The majority of prescription drug abusers have often reported receiving their drugs from friends, family, and the home medicine cabinet.  Take Back Day serves as a unique opportunity for Americans to secure their medicine cabinets from theft and abuse.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has received enthusiastic public support since its inception in 2010.  Last October, the public surrendered 457 tons (914,236 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA, and nearly 4,800 sites manned by local and tribal partners.