The Sacramento Police Department is once again participating in the National Pill Take Back Initiative.

Americans participating in the United States Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) second National Prescription Drug Take Back event earlier this year on April 30, 2011, turned in more than 376,593 pounds (188 tons) of unwanted or expired medications for safe and proper disposal. Over 5,000 take-back sites were available in all 50 states. This is 55 percent more than the 242,000 pounds (121 tons) the public brought in during the September 2010 event. 

The combined efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are keeping these dangerous and addictive drugs from being abused. More than seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, will be conducting the third annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Sacramento Police Department is offering a site at the Public Safety Center, located at 5770 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822. The purpose of this National Take Back Day is to provide a venue for persons who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.