Flagler and Volusia Counties, FL - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is continuing efforts to prevent drug abuse with Prescription Drug Take Back Day and local law enforcement agencies are joining the effort on Saturday.
According to the DEA, addictive prescription drugs that are thrown away or left unattended on shelves and in drawers at home are often stolen and either abused or sold by family members and visitors. That's why the DEA and thousands of law enforcement and community partners are holding another 'Prescription Drug Take Back Day' on Saturday, April 29, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at over 5,000 sites around the country. The service is free of charge, no questions asked.
Residents can stop by any of the sites and drop medication bottles into the collection box, then leave. No personal information is required. There will be law enforcement officers at the boxes. All drugs will be turned over to the DEA for proper disposal. Only pills and other solids, like patches, can be brought to the collection sites—liquids, needles, or other sharps will not be accepted.
The DEA reports that America is experiencing an epidemic of addiction, overdose, and death due to abuse of prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers. 6.4 million Americans age 12 and over—2.4% of the population—abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health released last fall, more than abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, and methamphetamine combined. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, eclipsing deaths from motor vehicle crashes or firearms. The majority of prescription drug abusers report that they obtain their drugs from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Collection sites in Flagler County:
Collection sites in Volusia County:
The VCSO also offers a continuous program that allows residents to drop off unwanted prescription drugs at a district office or make arrangements to have a deputy pick up the unwanted medications by calling the Sheriff's Office's Communications Center at (386) 248-1777.
"This is a very important event for safeguarding our community," said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. "It's a safe easy way to rid your home of harmful substances that can be a danger to your family, especially children. Please take advantage of Prescription Drug Take Back Day."
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds—more than 3,500 tons—of pills.
Find other 'Prescription Drug Take Back Day' collection sites in Florida and across the U.S. here or call (800) 882-9529.
Photos courtesy of the DEA and David Smart & Shutterstock.com.
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
