On Saturday, September 27, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Sacramento Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its ninth opportunity in four years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to the Public Safety Center at 5770 Freeport Blvd.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

In its eight previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners facilitated the disposal of over 4.1 million pounds-more than 2,100 tons-of pills. 

This program addresses a vital public and safety 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.  In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety, health and environmental hazards.

Examples of what will NOT be accepted at the collection site:

• Intravenous solutions
• Hypodermic needles
• Injection medication
• Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine

Prescription drug abuse is a serious public and safety health issue.  By participating in the Prescription Drug Take Back event, people have the opportunity to make their homes and our community safer.