From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, Redlands Police will be at 1270 W. Park Ave. to collect unwanted prescription drugs. Residents may simply drop off prescription and over-the-counter medication, no questions asked. Labels and other identifying information may be removed from medication containers prior to drop-off. Medication will be collected into boxes that will be sealed and picked up by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, which will then take it to a location for safe disposal.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day initiative was begun last year by the DEA to address a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was organized to provide a venue to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Last year more than 121 tons of pills were turned in.
Following the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the Redlands Police Department will launch a secure pharmaceutical collection box located in front of the Redlands Police Annex at 30 Cajon St., where residents may safely dispose of unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medication at any time of day. The box will be emptied daily and the medication destroyed in a manner prescribed by law.
For additional information, contact Lt. Shawn Ryan at (909) 798-7681.
Redlands Police press releases and other information are available on the Redlands Police Department Facebook page at www.facebook.com/redlandspolice <http://www.facebook.com/redlandspolice> or on the Department website at www.redlandspolice.org <http://www.redlandspolice.org/>