Submitted by Arilma St. Clair, RN
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and government, community, public health, and law enforcement partners are holding a nationwide prescription drug "take-back" day. On September 25, 2010, collection sites around the country will take any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for safe, legal, and environmentally friendly disposal.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The misuse of prescription drugs, including diversion, accidental poisoning, and overdose, has been increasing at an alarming rate. Nationally, an estimated 6.2 million people age 12 and older report having misused prescription drugs in the past month. One of the easiest ways individuals can help reduce this problem is to properly dispose of unused or expired medications. Studies have shown that a majority of prescription drugs are easily obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. The take-back day offers Americans an easy way to dispose of their prescription drugs and help reduce the rate of prescription drug abuse.
Further Information: Getting Involved in National Take-Back Day:
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