What is National Drug Take Back Day? National Drug Take Back day is a day recognized nationwide by the DEA and communities throughout the United States that provides a safe way for members of the community to properly dispose of any unused medications. National Drug Take Back Day also educates the public on potential medication abuse and the importance of proper medication disposal.
When we become sick, the first thing we do is look to medicine to relieve our symptoms. Whether you are experiencing allergy symptoms and you reach for something in your medicine cabinet such as over the counter Benadryl, or for pain your provider prescribes something such as Hydrocodone, medications help to improve our quality of life. While medications can help us in many ways, it is also important to recognize that they must be used appropriately and as prescribed. When medications are misused, they can be harmful.
Our country is currently experiencing an opioid crisis. Many people die daily due to the misuse of medications. Misusing medication can include taking medicine intended for someone else, taking your own medicine in a way not intended by your doctor, or taking a medication to get high.
What can you do to help? You can keep your medications in a safe place such as somewhere with a lock away from others. Encourage your family and friends to also lock up their medicine or keep it in a safe place.
Another way you can help is keeping track of your medications and refills. Know how many pills are in your prescription bottles and be aware of when it is time to refill.
Lastly, make sure to properly dispose of any medications that may be expired or unwanted. This means not throwing any medications in the trash, flushing them down the toilet, or dumping them down the drain. The best way to dispose of any medications is to take them to a drug collection box or a local drug take back event.
Something as simple as properly disposing of your expired or unwanted medications can make a difference. By doing so, you are not only protecting yourself, but you are also protecting your loved ones. Take part in the change, save lives and help to ensure medications are being used and disposed of appropriately.
If you are looking to safely dispose of your medications in Tioga County, you can drop it off on April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CASA-Trinity, located at 72 North Ave. in Owego or the Spencer Fire Department, located at 41 N. Main St. in Spencer.
To learn more, Find Tioga County ASAP Coalition on Facebook for more details or visit tiogaasap.org.
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