In an effort to help quell the rise of opioid addiction, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Collazo and U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced on Tuesday an upcoming prescription take-back event, scheduled for October 27th on St. Croix and St. Thomas.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.2 million Americans have misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA’s Take-Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths, according to the release. Take-Back Day also provides for an effective way to dispose of prescription drugs without harm to the environment.
“It’s an honor to officially join efforts with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day”, said Mr. Collazo. “This event not only contributes in saving lives of opioid-addicted victims, but will make our communities safer. We are certain that this 16th edition of the National Take Back Day will be a success in the Virgin Islands.”
“Unused and left-over prescription drugs are oftentimes misused and abused by children and family members”, said U.S. Attorney Shappert. “Removing them from the home takes away the possibility of accidental use and possible abuse. The DEA Take-Back Program also ensures that these drugs are disposed of responsibly, and that they do not harm the environment.”
Persons wishing to dispose of unused prescription drugs on St. Croix can take those prescriptions to the Gallows Bay, Kingshill, and Frederiksted Post Offices between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th. For disposal of unused prescriptions on St. Thomas, persons may take them to the Frenchtown and Sugar Estates Post Offices, also on Saturday, October 27th, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. During the week leading up to the Take-Back event, DEA will also be collecting unused prescription drugs from local senior care facilities for supervised disposal.
For more information on National Take-Back Day, please contact 1-800-882-9539 or check out
the DEA website.
Tags: opioid crisis
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