Popular program returns to Rhode Island on September 26th
On September 26, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rhode Islanders are encouraged to drop off their unused and expired prescription drugs at one of more than 30 locations across the state as part of the national Prescription Drug Take Back Program. The program was created in 2010 by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to prevent pill abuse and theft by allowing residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
A list of locations and participating police departments can be found at www.dea.gov or www.riag.ri.gov. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. In addition, many police departments provide free drop-off boxes year-round. Contact your local police department to see if they offer the service. ((Note: The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.))
"With the disturbing and dangerous rise of prescription opioid addiction and abuse in Rhode Island, this take back program is a simple and anonymous way for people to rid homes of potential dangers. Opioid addiction and abuse is one of the most serious public health and safety threats within our state. While there are many fronts on which we need to fight this war, this program is a key piece to ending the cycle of addiction by eliminating the temptation to use these pills in the first place," said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin.
"Many Americans are not aware that medicines which languish in home cabinets are highly vulnerable to diversion, misuse, and abuse," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Ferguson. "Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisoning and overdoses due to the illegal use of these drugs. Please take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet and make your home safe from drug theft and abuse."
US Attorney Peter F. Neronha added, "America has a prescription pill problem, and Rhode Island is no exception. The overprescribing, diversion, and misuse of prescription opioids is a significant threat to public health in its own right, made worse by the fact that in many instances it leads to heroin abuse, often with catastrophic results. There is no single solution to this problem. But one thing that can help is to provide a safe and effective way to dispose of unneeded prescription pills, and this take-back does precisely that."
In 2014, the DEA issued regulations that would legally expand options for disposing of controlled substances beyond the scheduled prescription drug take back days. Recognizing the success and popularity of the one-day events, the DEA decided to once again support the program nationwide in partnership with state and local law enforcement. In Rhode Island, there are several police departments that offer this service year round. In addition, other methods for safe disposal of prescription medications are available throughout the state including at pharmacies and healthcare facilities.
Last September, Americans turned in 309 tons (over 617,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. When those results are combined with what was collected in its eight previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 4.8 million pounds - more than 2,400 tons - of prescription medications.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, 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. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the September 26 Take Back Day event, visit www.dea.gov or www.riag.ri.gov.