On Saturday, April 24th, 2021, from 10:00am to 2:00pm, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will hold its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Held on the last Saturday of April and October of every year, this national event addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. Since its introduction to the public on September 25, 2010, the DEA has collected and incinerated over 492.7 tons of unwanted, unused, and potentially dangerous medications.
According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health 6.2 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. Unfortunately, a majority of misused prescription drugs are obtained from family, friends, and relatives from their kitchen, bedroom or medicine cabinet.
The DEA’s National Take Back Day is an opportunity for Americans to help prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths and to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse.
The DEA is asking for your help in getting the word out. As a DEA-registered doctor, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, veterinarian and/or state authorized dispensing pharmacist, you are perfectly situated to help DEA spread the word about this important initiative. You can help by providing patients with information on how to locate a safe, convenient and anonymous collection location.
For more information please visit DEAtakeback.com. We have also created a “Partnership Toolbox” where you will find posters and pamphlets, in both English and Spanish, that you can print and place in your waiting rooms. This site may also be used to identify a collection location in close proximity to your office.
Please help DEA in its effort to help keep unused prescription drugs out of the wrong hands. The DEA thanks you for your support!