PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in encouraging Rhode Islanders to take advantage of the 23rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday by disposing of unneeded or unwanted medications safely and anonymously at any one of dozens of drop-off locations across the state.
For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has provided an easy, no-cost opportunity to dispose of medicines stored in the home that may be susceptible to misuse and theft. Opioid misuse remains at epidemic levels in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the United States, approximately 107,622 people died as the result of a drug poisoning last year. This means that someone in the United States is dying of a drug poisoning every five minutes.
Rhode Island Department of Health statistics show that in 2021, 435 lives were lost in Rhode Island to drug overdoses, 51 more than in 2020. Current statistics for 2022 continue to trend upward. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.
“I encourage everyone across the country to dispose of unneeded medications to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The Take Back campaign is part of DEA’s continued efforts to combat the drug poisoning epidemic and protect the safety and health of communities across the United States.”
“DEA’s Take Back campaign is a great opportunity for Rhode Islanders to dispose of unused and unneeded medication in a way that’s safe, effective, easy and anonymous, and that makes sure that unwanted prescription drugs don’t do unintended harm,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.
On Saturday, the DEA and its partners, including many Rhode Island police departments and pharmacies, will host secure collection boxes to collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Visit www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites.
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage. The event will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.
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