Skip to main content

DEA announces 19th Prescription Drug Take Back Day to be held Oct. 24

The DEA's 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, Oct. 24. (Source: DEA)

By Rachael Thomas | October 19, 2020 at 3:23 PM CDT - Updated October 19 at 3:23 PM

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 24.

The nationwide event gives people safe places to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs. The DEA says studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from friends and family members, many of which are stolen from home medicine cabinets.

This year, collection sites will be following local COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.

“The initiative, now in its tenth year, addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”

“Prescription drug abuse continues to be the nation’s fastest growing drug epidemic. Sadly, these prescription drugs are most often obtained from friends and family, who leave them in home medicine cabinets. DEA’s Take-Back initiative provides citizens an easy and safe way to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs. Please do your part to keep prescription drugs off the streets and help spread awareness in your community,” DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley said.

In addition to the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, drugs can be disposed of at any time of the year at any of the DEA’s 11,000 authorized collection sites. Click here for more information.

The DEA and local law enforcement partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other drugs in sold form. Vape pens and e-cigarettes will also be accepted after their batteries have been removed.

Liquids, syringes, and other sharps will not be accepted.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a free and anonymous service. No questions will be asked at collection sites.

In the Baton Rouge area, the following law enforcement agencies will be providing collection sites:

  • Baton Rouge Police Department
  • Baker Police Department
  • Baton Rouge DEA
  • East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office
  • Walker Police Department
  • Plaquemine Police Department
  • St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office
  • West Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office

Click here to search for more collection sites.

Click here to report a typo.

Copyright 2020 WAFB. All rights reserved.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Resources From Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

  Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Information Center LaGRG is an organization dedicated to offering both information and support to grandparent and other kinship caregivers and their families. In monthly discussion sessions, grandparents and caregivers alike can share their experiences and advice. There is also an opportunity to obtain guidance from others who have found themselves in similar situations. Additional Resources ·          AARP - GrandFacts for Louisiana . AARP has compiled informative listings of data, benefits, and service providers for each state. ·          AARP - GrandFamilies Guide  - The Guide for GrandFamilies can help you find your way to the services and support you need to take care of yourself and your family.  ·          American Grandparents Association ·          GrandFamilies.org  - A national legal resource in support of grandfamilies within and outside the child welfare system ·          Legal Help - Louisiana State Bar Association ·          Louisiana
Post a Comment
Read more

Professional Training Program Invitation from the Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy Center

  It is with great pleasure that I am reaching out to you about the upcoming Professional Training Program (PTP) for the Baton Rouge community, hosted by the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) and the Baton Rouge Children’s Advocacy Center (BRCAC). The Baton Rouge Trauma-Relief and Resiliency-Building Program is the result of many years of grassroots work and the collaboration of many community partners and professional disciplines. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide scholarship opportunities for your organization. Program Requirements and Expectations: This is a two-part training program and full attendance is required for both programs. Thanks to the collaboration and contribution of many Baton Rouge community partners, the scholarships will cover all program fees. Your investment is a commitment to 100% attendance at the 4-day Initial Training Program (June 24-25, 28-29) as well as the 4-day Advanced Training Program (September 10, 13-15) * . The
Post a Comment
Read more

988: Crisis Response to Connecting Care in our Community

 
Post a Comment
Read more