DEA Take Back Day set for Saturday

From Special Reports

Drug Free Coweta reminds everyone that the next DEA Take Back Day on unused prescription drugs takes place on Saturday, October 29.

The DEA Take Back Day occurs on the last Saturday of October and April each year.  

“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. Take Back Day also provides a safe, environmentally friendly manner to dispose of prescription drugs, as flushing these substances down the toilet can affect water sources and the local ecosystem.

“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.

The locations for the Take Back Day on Sat., Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be Cornerstone United Methodist Church at 2956 Hwy 154 (Sharpsburg McCollum Rd), Newnan 30265 and the Newnan Police Department at 1 Joseph Hannah Blvd., Newnan 30263. 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 is a 24/7 lockbox at the Sheriff’s Department.

There will also be locations in the Fayetteville area, including Peachtree City Police Department (350 Hwy 74 S, Peachtree City, GA 30269), Fayetteville Police Department (760 Jimmie Mayfield Blvd, Fayetteville, GA 30215), and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office (155 Johnson Ave, Fayetteville, GA 30214).

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.