Amid an increase in opioid overdose deaths during the pandemic, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announces its 20th Take Back Day is Saturday, April 24, 2021.
With studies indicating a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, clearing out unused medications from home medicine cabinets is essential. On April 24, consumers can drop off unwanted medications safely at collection sites participating in Take Back Day.
To find a participating site near you, go online to www.deatakeback.com and enter your ZIP code or county, city and state. Collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of participants and law enforcement.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.
Consumers can also visit the California State Board of Pharmacy online to find pharmacies offering on-site collection bins and/or envelopes for mailing back unused medications. To find a participating pharmacy near you, go to www.pharmacy.ca.gov, scroll down to “Important Information for Consumers,” and click on Drug Take-Back: Find a Drop-off Location.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period. The increase appeared to begin before the COVID-19 health emergency but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic.
To learn more about National Drug Take Back Day, go to www.deatakeback.com or call 800-882-9539.
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