The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has recognized Saturday, April 27, as the 17th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This bi-annual event was established to “provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing prescription drugs while educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications” (Department of Justice).
The opioid epidemic continues to spread in the US, meaning proper disposal of prescription drugs is crucial. According to a study released by the National Safety Council earlier this year, the odds of dying accidentally from an opioid overdose have surpassed that of a car accident. One in 96 Americans will die from an accidental overdose, with one in 103 likely to die from a motor vehicle crash.
Collection and drop-off sites are linked on the DEA’s website, or by opening Google Maps on your smartphone and searching “Drug Disposal Near Me,” a feature the company enabled in February to combat the growing crisis.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day happens on the fourth Saturday of each April and October.
