DEA Hosts 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday
OMAHA, Neb. – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Field Division, in collaboration with 128 law enforcement agencies spanning five states, will host the 31st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 140 drop-off locations will be available across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota for community members to safely and anonymously dispose of unneeded, expired and unused prescription medications.
Nationwide, more than 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country. Collection locations will accept tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription medications along with liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers. Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted. This simple step of disposing of unneeded medications prevents diversion, reduces the risk of accidental poisonings, and helps protect communities.
“Now is the time to walk through your home, gather up those unused and expired prescription medications and bring them to a neighborhood Take Back Day collection site,” DEA Omaha Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “At the same time, make sure the medications you still have need for are securely stored. We talk a lot about the dangers of illicit drugs, but taking a prescription medication that’s not written specifically for you also carries risk. Remind your loved ones that the only prescription medication they should take is one prescribed by a trusted medical professional and filled by a licensed pharmacist.”
To find a registered Take Back location near you visit www.DEATakeBack.com. Those unable to participate in the October 24 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day are encouraged to locate one of more than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.