(Florence, Ky.)--The Florence Police Department is holding a Drug Take Back Day this Month.
You can turn in your unwanted prescription drugs at the Florence Government Building at 8100 Ewing Blvd, no questions asked.
The service is free and anonymous and gives the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.
The drug take back day will be on Saturday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Last April Americans turned in 450 tons (900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 8.1 million pounds-more than 4,050 tons-of pills. 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 fordisposing 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 October 28 Take Back Day event, click here.