The Indiana State Police is participating in a national Drug Take Back Day this weekend.
This Saturday, the Drug Enforcement Administration is sponsoring the 25th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. This initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs, according to an ISP news release.
Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. The Indiana State Police post in Indianapolis, which is located at 8620 E. 21st St., will be accepting unused or expired prescription medication between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Liquid and pill medications will be accepted, along with vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges. However, needles will not be accepted for disposal, according to ISP.
This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Unused or expired medication in home cabinets is highly susceptible to theft, misuse and abuse, officials say.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to ISP.
