WHAT: DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25
TIME: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
LOCATION: Rx drug drop-off box, main lobby, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Bldg. J., 3301 U.S. 41 E., East Naples
SUMMARY: People can turn in expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at the Collier County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday
CCSO and Drug Free Collier will participate in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s first National Prescription Drug Take Back Campaign that day.
The campaign is aimed at curbing increased pill abuse and theft. The service is free and anonymous.
The initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
Drugs surrendered Saturday will be properly destroyed. Flushing drugs down toilets or throwing them away can create health and safety problems.
