Delaware joins federal program to collect old prescription meds

Delaware is encouraging you to dump your old drugs – prescription medications past their expiration date. 

 

29 collection points will be set up Saturday April 30th, which is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  The US Drug Enforcement Agency is coordinating the effort.

Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden says according to 2007 statistics, prescription drug abuse accounted for more deaths than heroin and cocaine combined.

“Prescription drug abuse devastates families, and it’s on the rise,” Biden said.  “We’re acting to make people aware of the grave consequences of prescription drug abuse, and we are committed to continuing to work with law enforcement, healthcare and other government agencies to fight this problem at its source — access to drugs.”

According to DEA Philadelphia division Special Agent in Charge John Bryfonski, “Educating the public about the dangers of allowing pharmeceuticals to languish in our medicine cabinets where they can easily fall into the wrong hands and lead to tragedy instead of healing is one way the Drug Enforcement Agency can participate in this important initiative.”

It is not recommended to flush expired prescriptions or to put them in the trash due to the possible environmental impact.  Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraff says, “While current levels of pharmeceuticals in Delaware drinking water are far below harmful levels, we should all take an active role in properly disposing of medications.”

CLICK HERE to locate a drug disposal site for April 30th, or call the DEA at 1-800-882-9539.