WASHINGTON — Americans are being urged to turn in their unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs on Saturday as part of efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
The DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day aims to provide an anonymous means of dropping off medication at different sites around the region with no questions asked.
Past efforts have been hailed a success by the DEA.
In 14 previous events, more than 9 million pounds of pills were handed in.
The last nationwide take-back event held in October saw more than 450 tons of prescription drugs turned in at over 5,000 collection sites.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs.
The study showed that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
Unused prescription drugs often find their way into the wrong hands with dangerous and tragic consequences, the DEA said.
You can find out where your nearest collection site is on the Take Back Day website.
