Drug take-back day all about stopping abuse, misuse

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Police Department will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Anyone can bring their pills for disposal to the Rochester Police Department at 23 Wakefield St. Please note that the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public health and safety issue. "Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet," said Bridging the Gaps Coordinator, Molly Martuscello, "Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to misuse, and abuse. Don't let your home be a place of temptation."

Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds - more than 2,400 tons - of pills.

Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Sept 26 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Office of Diversion Control site or BridgingTheGapsNH.org.