Public Can Dispose of Unwanted Prescription Drugs

Jefferson Township will participate in National Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, according to the Office of Diversion Control, which is part of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that teens get majority of abused prescription drugs from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day last fall.  The purpose was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

This effort was deemed successful in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from the nation’s medicine cabinets.  Approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in the event.  More than 121 tons of pills were turned in during that effort.

Unwanted pills may be dropped off at the Jefferson Township Police Department, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on April 30. For more information, call 973-697-1300.