HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Dave Sunday has announced a continued partnership with Pocono Raceway for the annual Drug Take Back event during NASCAR’s “The Great American Getaway 400” race weekend, taking place from June 20 to June 22.
Attendees at the raceway will have the opportunity to safely dispose of unused and expired prescription medications at the Office of Attorney General’s collection station, located outside the venue’s main entrance under the flagpole. Participants will receive a unique voucher allowing them to return to the raceway on July 8 to drive their personal vehicle on the iconic Pocono track, known as “The Tricky Triangle.”
“The opioid epidemic continues to plague communities across Pennsylvania, and I have made prevention, deterrence, and treatment top priorities for my office,” said Attorney General Sunday. “This take back event is the perfect opportunity to dispose of potentially dangerous medications safely and responsibly. I am thankful for the continued partnership with the Pocono Raceway on this life-saving initiative.”
The statewide Drug Take Back program, launched in 2017 by the Office of Attorney General, has so far collected nearly 400 tons of prescription drugs for safe destruction. Officials hope this weekend’s event will further contribute to preventing drugs from falling into the wrong hands.
Pocono Raceway President Ben May echoed the importance of this initiative, stating, “We encourage everyone visiting Pocono Raceway between June 20-22nd to visit the Office of Attorney General’s booth to safely dispose of medications. Working together, we can help combat the opioid epidemic.”
Additionally, representatives from the Attorney General’s Office will host interactive activities during the event’s Kids’ Day on Saturday, June 21, engaging families and providing educational resources.
This initiative comes as the state continues to battle the rise of fentanyl, now a leading cause of overdose deaths in Pennsylvania. A 2022 special report from the Attorney General’s Office warned of the dangers of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, where even one pill could lead to a fatal overdose.
The Pocono Raceway Drug Take Back Weekend remains the largest program of its kind in Pennsylvania, serving as a model for other venues across the state looking to address the opioid crisis.
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