NPD collecting unwanted prescription drugs

Friday, September 4, 2015

Nevada Daily Mail

The Nevada Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Nevada Police Station at 120 S. Ash, in Nevada, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public 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, noted a press release from the Nevada Police Department.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines -- flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash -- both pose potential safety and health hazards.

For information on this program, contact Officer Patrick Deao of the Nevada Police Department or visit www.dea.gov and click on the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day icon.

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