More than eight tons of prescription medications will never be misused thanks to the DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day initiative. That amount was collectively gathered by the Indiana State Police as well as federal and local government agencies.
Local agencies partner with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for this initiative which seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.
Hoosiers participated in the 18th nationwide Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26th and had 88 sites set up across the state.
In regards to the state of Indiana specifically, the DEA reports that during the one day event Hoosiers safely disposed of 16,483 pounds of unused medication.
Collectively, the Indiana State Police received 1,488 pounds and partners from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and Indiana Board of Pharmacy received 1,125 pounds of unwanted or expired prescription medication.
Indiana Executive Director of Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland said ‘kudos’ to everyone who helped protect their loved ones from substance misuse by safely disposing of several tons of medication.
He added that their agency hopes more people will take advantage of convenient prescription drop-off locations that are available year round across Indiana.
