Health Department Participating in DEA’s 20th Take Back Day

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department
 
With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration is holding its 20th Take Back Day on April 24, 2021. During its October Take Back Day, the DEA collected a record-high amount of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs.

Now more than ever it is important to keep your home safe. Studies indicate a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.

“The National Drug Takeback Day is a perfect time to get rid of old and unused medications,” said Sadie Liller, Prevention Coordinator at the Garrett County Health Department. “You can safely dispose of those medications at one of our three permanent medication drop box locations at Oakland City Hall, Garrett County Sherriff’s Department, and the Maryland State Police Barracks in McHenry.”

Take Back locations will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

“If you do not have access to one of the permanent locations, don’t worry,” Liller added. “Just put wet coffee grounds or wet kitty litter into a plastic bag, mix in the medication, seal it up, and throw it into your household trash. It’s that simple. This is one crisis we have the power to control.”

“Even if you don’t have children in your home, you still need to safeguard your meds,” Liller said. “Think of all the times you have other people come into your home. It could be to repair an appliance, or to take care of your pets when you are away, or even just a friend coming over to spend time with you. Protect everyone by getting unneeded medications out of the house.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period. The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin prior to the COVID-19 health emergency, but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic.

This message is brought to you by the Drug Free Communities Coalition, Maryland Department of Health and SAMSHA