National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 25
A DCSO Community Safety Volunteer collecting unwanted prescription medication at the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in Douglas County last year.
To provide a safe, convenient and responsible way for citizens to dispose of prescription medication that is no longer needed, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) holds two National Prescription Drug Take Back Days each year: one in the spring and one in the fall. This fall it is on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Collection sites in Douglas County include:
Douglas County Sheriff substation, 9250 Zotos Drive, Highlands Ranch
HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge, 10101 Ridgegate Parkway, Lone Tree
HCA HealthONE South Parker ER, 12223 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker
Disposing of medications safely can help prevent health risks and prescription drug abuse. It also has a positive impact on the environment, since flushing some prescription medications down the toilet or sink can contaminate ground water, streams and natural resources.
At Take Back Day this past April, more than 4,500 sites across the nation collected unwanted or expired medications, totaling 620,321 pounds. The total amount of medications collected by DEA since fall 2010 is more than 19,820,000 pounds.
If you miss DEA’s take back day, several locations, including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), provide year-round drug disposal options at no cost to individuals. For more information visit dcsheriff.net and search “medication.” For a list of businesses that are year-round drop-off locations, visit apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch.
For more information about Drug Take Back Day and an updated list of collection sites, visit dea.gov/takebackday.
By Susan Helton; photo provided by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
