YORK, PA — State agencies and local officials gathered in York to call attention to the importance of proper medication disposal through the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26. Spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the initiative underscores efforts to prevent prescription drug misuse by providing safe disposal options.
“Every day is a take-back day in Pennsylvania,” DDAP Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones stated, emphasizing the year-round availability of nearly 900 take-back boxes across the state. Pennsylvania’s take-back program, launched in 2015, has already destroyed over 1.5 million pounds of medication.
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) contributes to this effort with 65 collection stations open 24/7, where over 4,000 pounds of medication were collected last year. PSP Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris stressed the program’s role in keeping communities safe. “Do your part to make sure prescription drugs do not end up in the wrong hands or used the wrong way,” he urged.
The Pennsylvania National Guard’s Counterdrug Joint Task Force also plays a vital role, securely transporting and incinerating medications. Major General John Pippy, who leads the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, praised citizens who participate in these efforts, saying, “We are proud to serve the Commonwealth by ensuring these drugs are disposed of safely.”
York City Police’s involvement was highlighted during the event, showcasing one of the region’s 20 take-back box locations. Commissioner Michael Muldrow underscored the importance of proper disposal, stating, “Our neighborhoods are safer when we dispose of expired or unneeded prescriptions properly.”
The initiative is critical for vulnerable populations like older adults, with Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich noting that their homes often contain unused medications, creating risks for misuse. “Take proper action to discard those unneeded prescriptions,” Kavulich urged.
During the recent October 2024 Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, nearly 27,000 pounds of unused medications were collected statewide. With events like these and year-round programs, Pennsylvania continues to fight opioid and prescription drug misuse. Officials remind residents to take advantage of these opportunities to make a difference in their communities.
For more information on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, visit takebackday.dea.gov.
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