Area residents cleared out medicine cabinets and helped keep their communities safe during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25.
The Sarasota Police Department reported collecting 44 pounds of unwanted and unused prescription pills. Officers at the 17th Street location took in 23 pounds, while officers at headquarters gathered 21 pounds. The medications will be properly destroyed.
“Thank you to everyone who stopped by our drop-off locations for the Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” the department said in a statement. “Your participation helps ensure these drugs are safely removed from circulation.”
Residents who missed the event can still dispose of medications at the Sarasota Police Department headquarters, 2099 Adams Lane in Sarasota, which has a permanent drop box available daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Venice, police partnered with Walgreens to collect more than 157 pounds of expired and unused prescription drugs during the same event. The Venice Police Department thanked residents for participating in the national effort to safely dispose of medications and prevent misuse.
In North Port, HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency joined forces with the North Port Police Department for the national initiative, encouraging residents to drop off unused or unwanted prescriptions for safe and proper disposal as part of the #CrushTheCrisis campaign. The event collected 135 pounds of medications.
“I’m incredibly proud of our colleagues at HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency for serving our community during this weekend’s Crush the Crisis event,” said CEO Kelly Lindsay. “Collecting 135 pounds of unused or unwanted medications is a powerful step in preventing drug misuse and overdose. Research shows many addictions begin with access to medications from family or friends, making efforts like this vital. We’re especially grateful to the North Port Police Department for their partnership and support in making this initiative a success.”
The twice-yearly DEA event gives residents across the country a safe way to get rid of expired or unneeded prescriptions. The initiative helps prevent drug misuse, accidental ingestion and environmental contamination caused by improper disposal.
