Building on the success of the previous Prescription Drug Take Back Days, Attorney General Peter Kilmartin joins the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local and state law enforcement agencies to remind the public to gather their unused, expired and unwanted prescription medications for the next statewide Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26th.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 26, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public can drop off prescription drugs at one of the more than 28 locations statewide (see attached list). The event is free and anonymous. In addition to the drop off locations on October 26, many police departments accept expired prescription medications year round. The public should contact their local police department to see if this program is available in their city or town.
"As prescription drug abuse continues to grow into an epidemic in the country, the need to rid our homes of expired and unused prescription medications grows as well," said Attorney General Kilmartin. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more Americans now die from painkillers than from heroin and cocaine combined, and since 2008, prescription drug-induced deaths have outstripped those from automobile accidents.
"We cannot avoid the growing use and abuse of prescription drugs, particularly by teens and young adults. By preventing drug abuse where it starts – in the home – we can make a real impact on this dangerous and deadly addiction. The Prescription Drug Take Back program is a simple way to protect yourself and your family from potential killers in your home medicine cabinet," continued Kilmartin.
The list of participating locations is attached or can be found by visiting www.riag.ri.gov or www.dea.gov.
Please note: Needles are not accepted at collection sites. Liquids are accepted, so long as they are sealed.