DSP says that National Drug Take Back Day is on October 22

Police in Delaware say that National Drug Take Back Day is on October 22.

Delaware State Police say that along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, on Saturday October 22 from 10AM until 2PM, they will let the public prevent pill abuse and theft by getting rid of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs in homes. Police say the service is free and anonymous.

Last April, police say americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 11 previous take back events, DEA and its partners have gotten over 6.4 million pounds (about 3,200 tons of pills)

police say this program confronts an important public safety and public health issue. Medicines that weaken in home cabinets are highly capable to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Prescription drug abuse rates in America are also reportedly very high, along with the number of accidental poisonings, and overdoses because of the drugs. Studies reportedly show that a lot of abused prescription drugs are received from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Furthermore, Americans are now being told that their usual methods of throwing away unused medicines  such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the crash, both can cause potential safety and health hazards.

The DEA reportedly cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps, only pills or patches. Police say the locations for planned disposal by Delaware State Police will be at:

New Castle County

• Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 LaGrange Avenue, Newark, DE 19702
• Christiana Care, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713

Kent County

• Delaware State Police Troop 3, 3759 South State Street, Camden, DE 19934

Sussex County

• Delaware State Police Troop 4, 23652 Shortly Road, Georgetown, DE 19947.
• Delaware State Police Troop 7, 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

For more information about the throwing away of prescription drugs, or about Drug Take Back Day, people can go here.