CDPH Encourages Consumers to Participate in Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Date: 10/21/2016
Number: 16-062
Contact: Ali Bay (916) 440-7259
SACRAMENTO ā Consumers who have outdated or unneeded prescription drugs can get rid of them safely on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, Saturday, October 22.
Unused medications in homes create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, theft or misuse. Medications that are disposed of improperly can create a hazard for the environment.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Agency to accept prescription drugs at the following locations in the Sacramento area:
Other locations throughout California can be found by visiting the
Drug Enforcement Administration website or by calling, toll-free, 800-882-9539. Events throughout the state run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Consumers can anonymously drop-off pills and other solids, such as patches and well-sealed liquids. Sharps waste, such as needles and syringes, will not be accepted. There is no charge.
During a national event in April 2016 more than 447 tons of prescription drugs were collected. Through the past 11 National Prescription Drug Take-Back Days federal, state and local law enforcement partners have collected about 3,200 tons of unwanted prescription medications. CDPH itself has collected more than 1200 pounds while participating in past Take-Back Events, which are a simple, yet effective collaborative public health strategy to promote safer communities.
Nearly twice as many people abuse prescription drugs than abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies have shown that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
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