BPD hosts annual prescription drug take back day

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday at multiple locations across the country, including the Blair Police Department.

BPD will have a drive-through drop office in its parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The annual nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible way of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.

“We encourage everyone to let us help dispose of their unused and unwanted medications so that they don’t end up being diverted for unintended purposes — like ending up in the school yard, watersheds or being sold on the street,” Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Richard Salter Jr., said.

DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of medication. In addition, DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices, but only after batteries have been removed. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.