Rx National Take Back Day Set for April 27
DEA reported that the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs, most of them obtained from family and friends.
The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is set for April 27, and DEA has posted a number of resources to help partner agencies spread the word.
These events address a crucial public safety and public health issue, according to DEA, which reported that the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
DEA's Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths, according to the agency. During the 16th National Take Back Day in October 2018, total law enforcement participation was 4,770, there were 5,839 collection sites participating, and the total weight of medicines collected was 914,236 pounds (about 457 tons).