Nearly 30 Pounds of Pharmaceuticals Collected During Nationwide Take-Back Day

On Saturday October 29, 2011, the Prince George's County Police Department, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), participated in the second Nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  The Police Department collected a total of 28.24lbs. of various pharmaceuticals that were turned in to the three collection points located at the District I, III, and IV stations.  The service was free and anonymous and allowed the opportunity for community members to surrender any expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications.

The Prescription Drug Take-Back Program addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  The D.E.A. cites studies that show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from a home medicine cabinet.  In addition, many citizens do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away - both potential safety and health hazards.