(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) today thanked Ohio residents for properly disposing of 13.5 tons (27,192 pounds) of unneeded, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs during last Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative provides a safe, convenient, and responsible means of prescription drug disposal. Unused prescription drugs in homes create a public health and safety concern because the medications can be accidentally ingested, stolen, misused, and abused.
“Prescription drug diversion and opiate addiction continue to be a serious problem in Ohio and across the county,” said Attorney General DeWine. “We thank those who safely disposed of their medications on Saturday for playing a role in preventing abuse and addiction.”
“The amount of pills collected sends a strong message that Ohioans care very deeply about properly disposing of their unneeded prescriptions,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Plancon. “We are grateful to every resident in Ohio who took time out of their busy day on Saturday to bring their medications to a drop off location.”
According to the DEA, nine previous nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day events have removed more than 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons, of prescription drugs from circulation.
Those who are still in possession of unneeded prescription drugs can drop them off at one of several prescription drug drop box locations across the state. A list of locations of prescription drug drop boxes provided by the Attorney General’s Office, Ohio Department of Health, and Drug Free Action Alliance is available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.
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