DEA Take Back Day takes place Saturday
From Special Reports
Drug Free Coweta reminds everyone that the next DEA Take Back Day takes place on the last Saturday of October and April each year. It’s not too early to start clearing out unused and unwanted medications in preparation for the event on Sat., Oct. 23, 2021.
“Lots of time people like to keep medications ‘in case’ they might need them later,” said Dr. David Copelan, Drug Free Coweta leadership team member who also heads the pharmacy for Piedmont Newnan. “But in reality, the research shows that this is just the type of medication that can fall into the wrong hands and be misused.”
This National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
“This misuse of prescription drugs can be particularly devastating for young people who often find medication in their homes or in the homes of grandparents and friends,” said Dr. Copelan.
One of the locations for the Take Back Day on Sat., Oct. 23 from 10-2, is the Newnan Police Department, located at 1 Joseph-Hannah Boulevard in Newnan. Friendly volunteers from Drug Free Coweta and local law enforcement will be on hand to assist. In the meantime, if anyone has an urgent need to dispose of medications, there are 24/7 lockboxes at the Newnan Police Department and Sheriff’s Department.
If you have a pressing need to get a small lockbox to use in your home or office for prescriptions currently in use, visit drugfreecoweta.org and fill out the online form to obtain a free, individual lockbox.
For more information visit drugfreecoweta.org or visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/drugfreecoweta. You can also text a question/comment or leave a message at 770-716-2797.
