National Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26, communities across the country will participate in National Drug Take Back Day, an important initiative aimed at combating prescription drug abuse and ensuring the safe disposal of unused medications. Sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, this day serves as a reminder for adults to responsibly manage their pharmaceuticals.

Prescription opioid misuse and accidental overdoses have reached alarming levels, making the removal of expired or unused medications from homes critical. On National Drug Take Back Day, individuals can dispose of their medications — prescription and over-the-counter — at designated drop-off locations. The process is convenient and safe, and no questions asked. Removing any personal information on labels prior to drop-off maintains confidentiality. The collected medications are then responsibly destroyed, thus avoiding misuse and protecting our environment from improper disposal methods.

As the date approaches, check local listings for participating locations and hours to ensure your unused and expired medications are safely disposed of. Most of your local pharmacies have a drop box available year-round. Together, through National Drug Take Back Day, we can take meaningful steps toward a healthier community.‍

Rebecca Caperton, RN, BSN 

Parish Health Team

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