Durant drug take back event April 27

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DURANT — On Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Durant Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration will give the public its 17th opportunity in nine years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The event is open to anyone who has pills that need disposing. Drop off is at the Durant Police Department, 1107 Fifth St. Sites cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last fall Americans turned in nearly 460 tons, more than 900,000 pounds, of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. This is the first time the Durant Police Department has participated in this program. Overall, in its 16 previous take bake events, DEA and its partners have taken in almost 11 million pounds, nearly 5,000 tons, of pills.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. 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. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows year after year that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including someone else’s medication being stolen from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medications, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27 take back day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or call the Durant Police Department at 563-785-6049.

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