The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is again partnering with local law enforcement agencies for the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to be held on April 28, to focus national attention to the issue of pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse and proper disposal of unused, unneeded and expired prescription medications.
Area drop off locations will be held at the following sites from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous.
• Wellington: Wellington Fire Station #1, 8130 3rd Street
• Livermore: Livermore Fire Department, 311 W CR74E
• Fort Collins: Fort Collins Police Services, 2221 S. Timberline Road and Colorado State University, Green Hall, 750 South Drive
Information on environmentally sound medication disposable methods that minimize opportunities for misuse and protect the environment will be present at the Fort Collins collection site. Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can cause pollution of lakes, streams and water supplies.
The Prescription Drug Take-Back program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away – both potential safety and health hazards.
Intravenous solutions, injectables, syringes, mercury (thermometers) oxygen containers, chemotherapy/radioactive substances, pressurized canisters and illicit drugs will not be accepted due to potential health hazards. Law enforcement officers will be present with the drug disposal box at all times. At the conclusion of the event, the boxes will be sealed and turned over to the DEA for proper disposal. All drugs will be incinerated according to federal and state environmental guidelines.
For additional information about the event, contact Lt. Greg Yeager, Northern Colorado Drug Task Force, 970-416-2456.
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