National Take Back Day Returns in Lexington to Combat Prescription Drug Misuse

Lexington, Ky. – A critical initiative aimed at preventing the misuse of prescription drugs will take place on Saturday, as the National Take Back Day returns for its 27th event. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes this event in the spring and fall each year, allowing the public to safely dispose of unused medications.

On April’s event, more than 670,000 pounds of prescription drugs were collected nationwide, with over 4,000 law enforcement agencies participating, including local authorities in Lexington. The Lexington Police Department emphasizes the importance of this initiative for public safety and drug misuse prevention.

“The longer unused prescription drugs are in a house, the greater the risk that they can fall into the wrong hands,” noted a representative from the Lexington Police Department. Unused medications pose dangers, including accidental overdoses and potential violent exchanges. Proper disposal methods are essential, as simply throwing them out or flushing them can lead to environmental harm.

On Saturday, the collection will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kentucky American Water on Richmond Road. Residents are encouraged to bring in any expired or unused medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and even pet medications. However, the DEA will not accept needles, inhalers, or liquids during this event.

The DEA reports that over 18 million pounds of prescription drugs have been collected since the initiative began. This effort not only aids in reducing prescription drug abuse but also fosters community awareness about the importance of safe disposal practices.

If you are unable to attend the event in Lexington, the DEA provides a collection site locator for access to other disposal locations across the country. The goal of the National Take Back Day is to prevent potential tragedies associated with unused medications, making it a vital community event for public health and safety.