The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day for Saturday, Sept., 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vernon police are offering the service at the Department of Public Works garage, 375 Hartford Turnpike. Residents of Ellington, Somers, Tolland, Mansfield and Storrs are welcome, police said.
The program allows residents to bring their old or unused prescription medications to a collection center where officials will safely dispose of the drugs. Numerous police departments across Connecticut will take part in the program and establish drug take-back centers on Sept. 29.
This is one of several take-back programs the DEA has overseen in recent years. The initiative is aimed at keeping prescription drugs out of the hands of teenagers seeking to experiment with drug use. It is also intended to keep drugs out of the environment by providing a place where residents can bring their unused drugs instead of disposing them at home, either by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them into the garbage.
The DEA’s last take-back day was held on April 28, during which residents across the country turned in a record-breaking 552,161 pounds (276 tons) of unwanted or expired medications at some 5,659 take-back sites. To date, the program has resulted in the removal of 1.5 million pounds (774 tons) of medications from circulation, the DEA said in a recent release.
"We are pleased at the response of the American people once again, and we thank them for participating and contributing to the battle against prescription drug abuse," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "While a uniform system for prescription drug disposal is being finalized, we will continue to sponsor these important take-back opportunities as a service to our communities. Our take-back events highlight the problems related to prescription drug abuse and give our citizens an opportunity to contribute to the solution. These events are only made possible through the dedicated work and commitment of our state, federal, local, and tribal partners and DEA thanks each and every one of them for their efforts on behalf of the American people."
