(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined the Drug Enforcement Administration today to thank members of the public who disposed of their unneeded and unwanted prescription drugs during last Saturday's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
Ohio residents discarded a total of 11.8 tons (23,678 pounds) of pills at 238 drop off sites in the state.
"We are grateful that so many Ohioans are actively taking part in the effort to prevent prescription drug abuse," said Attorney General DeWine. "Each and every pill disposed of on Saturday is a pill that will not contribute towards addiction."
"The unused medications in our homes create a public heath and safety concern because they are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion, diversion, misuse, and abuse," said DEA Columbus Group Supervisor Mark McHugh. "We thank the community members who took part in Saturday's event, as well as the federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who worked together to successfully collect the pills."
Kentucky collected 4.5 tons (9,135 pounds) of pills and Michigan residents disposed of approximately 5.6 tons (11,362 pounds) of unwanted medications.
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Those who are still in possession of unneeded prescription drugs can drop them off at one of several prescription drug drop box locations across the state. A list of locations of prescription drug drop boxes provided by the Ohio Attorney General's Office, Ohio Department of Health, and Drug Free Action Alliance is available on the Ohio Attorney General's website.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840