(COLUMBUS) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine urged Ohioans to take the opportunity to properly dispose of unused prescription drugs as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2011.
"Unfortunately, many prescription drug abuse cases begin with the misuse of a legitimately prescribed medicine found in the home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an effective and convenient way families can safely dispose of unused medicines and help stop prescription drug abuse before it starts," said Attorney General DeWine.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a program sponsored by the United States Department of Justice – Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA partners with state and local law enforcement, local departments of health, and local businesses to provide locations where unused and unwanted prescription medications can be dropped off and disposed of by authorities.
This is the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The first events were held on September 25, 2010, and resulted in 121 tons of pills dropped off at more than 3,000 locations nationwide.
In addition to helping stop prescription drug abuse, DeWine noted other safety benefits by dropping off excess medications.
"Having worked closely with Poison Control Centers in my career, we know that many accidental poisonings occur from excess medicines located in the home. Additionally, many parts of Ohio are reporting statistics where more and more crimes committed are drug-related. All of these concerns make National Prescription Drug Take Back Day an even more important tool for improving public safety and protecting Ohio families," DeWine said.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. For a list of participating locations or to find the location nearest to you please visit the DEA National Take Back Initiative Site Search.
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Dan Tierney 614-466-3840