On Saturday, April 29, the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office, in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be hosting an unwanted prescription drug round up at three locations across the county.
“This is an opportunity for the public to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs,” said Chief Deputy Will Sandstrom. “This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that sit 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 most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose additional potential safety, health and environmental hazards.
Bring unwanted medications for disposal to any of the following locations on April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps, only pills or patches will be accepted.
Drop-off sites include: The Grand Portage Clinic, 62 Upper Road, the Cook County Law Enforcement Center, 143 Gunflint Trail or the Tofte Fire Hall at 7240 Tofte Park Road.
Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds — more than 3,500 tons — of pills.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or contact the Cook County Sheriff ’s Office.
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