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The Drug Enforcement Administration announced Friday that it's holding its 19th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24 at locations across U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The nationwide event aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications, DEA said, adding that 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.
Collection sites will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement, according to the release.
“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge said, “Every Take Back event is significant, on October 2019 over 3,300 lbs were collected in Puerto Rico and the USVIs. Due to the pandemic, many physical or emotional illnesses have increased the chances of accumulating prescription drugs in our homes and workplaces. Do not become a dealer without knowing it. Dispose of all medicines this Saturday or contact the FDA and EPA to learn how to dispose of them appropriately any day of the year.”
“We are so grateful that DEA continues to provide opportunities for Virgin Islanders to dispose of unused prescription drugs,” said Gretchen C.F. Shappert, United States Attorney for the Virgin Islands. “Removing these drugs from our homes makes our communities safer.”
The DEA said it wants the public to learn other ways they can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs without having to leave their homes. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have tips on how to safely dispose of drugs at home.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms. DEA will also accept vape pens or other e-cigarette devices from individual consumers, only after the batteries are removed from the devices, according to the release. If the battery cannot be removed, individual consumers can check with large electronic chain stores who may accept the vape pen or e-cigarette devices for proper disposal. Liquids, including intravenous solutions, syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs cannot be dropped off. This service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Prescription Drug Take Back Locations, Saturday, Oct. 24th:
- On St. Croix: Kingshill and Gallows Bay Post Offices, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- On St. Thomas: Sugar Estate Post Office, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information on DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and to find a collection site near you, visit www.deatakeback.com.
