For the Reporter
With public participation at an all-time high after six prior events in three years, the Drug Enforcement Administration and its national, tribal and community partners hold a seventh National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at thousands of sites throughout America on Saturday.
The Kent Police Department, 232 Fourth Ave. S., is among 83 collection sites throughout the state that will be open for collections from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Americans participating in DEA’s six previous Take-Back Days turned in nearly 2.8 million pounds – nearly 1,409 tons – of prescription drugs, most recently at more than 5,800 sites operated by over 4,300 of DEA’s law enforcement partners.
Last April, Washington residents turned in 14,992 pounds (7.4 tons) of prescription medications. The number surpassed the last Take Back on Sept. 29, 2012 by nearly one ton and record numbers were collected in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription drugs that languish in medicine cabinets create a public health and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high; almost twice as many Americans (6.8 million) currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those abusing cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined, according to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
The public can find a nearby collection site by visiting www.dea.gov, clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database where they can enter their zip code. Or they can call 1-800-882-9539.
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