MOUNT AYR – From l0 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29, Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 13th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office lobby, 801 W. South St., in Mount Ayr. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (more than 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous take back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 7.1 million pounds (more than 3,500 tons) of pills.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised 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.
If you can’t make it on April 29, no problem. Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office has a permanent drop box located in the lobby. Feel free to stop by anytime 24/7 to drop off any unused or expired medications.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.