Today is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Image courtesy of DEA.

By Sonia Isotov

Today, Saturday, October 29, you can dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications at a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day collection site.

The DEA, in conjunction with the Maui Policy Department has scheduled the 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm. to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

On Maui, drop off your prescription drugs at the Maui Police Department in Wailuku, in the parking lot, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. today. The Maui Police Department is located at 55 Mahalani Street in Wailuku, across from War Memorial Stadium.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 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 a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

Nearly, 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have participated in these events, collecting more than 309 tons of pills.

If you can’t participate in Prescription Drug Take Back Day, learn how to safely and properly dispose of unused medicines.