Residents of Cleveland are encouraged to participate in the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This initiative aims to provide a safe and responsible method for disposing of unused prescription medications while raising awareness about the risks associated with improper storage and disposal.
This biannual event, coordinated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), addresses the potential dangers of unused prescription drugs. Health experts emphasize that unsecured medications in homes can lead to accidental poisonings, particularly among children, and can result in overdoses. Moreover, flushing medications down the toilet can negatively impact local waterways and Lake Erie.
The effectiveness of previous Drug Take Back Days is evident in the statistics from the event held in April. According to the DEA, the event saw participation from 4,472 law enforcement agencies and 4,590 collection sites, resulting in a total of 620,321 lbs. (approximately 310 tons) of medications collected. Since the program’s inception, over 19,820,761 lbs. (around 9,910 tons) of prescription drugs have been safely disposed of.
Various local hospitals, pharmacies, and police departments will accept unused prescription drugs during this year’s Take Back Day. Residents can locate nearby collection sites through several resources. The DEA’s website, DEATakeBack.com, allows users to find local events and permanent collection locations. Additionally, the FDA website offers a search feature by ZIP code or city/state for convenient access to disposal options. For a broader search, MyOldMeds.com provides a locator with more than 23,000 secure disposal options across the nation.
Cuyahoga County also promotes year-round safe disposal methods, including the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office Rx Drug Drop Box Program, which allows residents to drop off unused medications at designated law enforcement agencies. This program reflects the county’s commitment to public health and safety, ensuring that medications are disposed of responsibly throughout the year.
As Cleveland prepares for this event, the community is reminded of the importance of safely managing medications to prevent misuse and protect the environment. Taking part in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a proactive step toward fostering a safer and healthier community.
