Dispose unwanted prescription drugs at JPD Oct. 23 for National Drug Take Back Day

The Juneau Police Department will be hosting a drop off location on October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back event. During that time, the public can drop off unneeded and potentially dangerous prescription medications at the Juneau Police Department (6255 Alaway Avenue) for disposal.

Types of medications that can be collected are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Vaping devices and cartridges may be accepted at drop-off locations, provided lithium batteries are removed.

At its last Take Back Day in April, the Juneau Police Department collected approximately 100 pounds of unwanted and unused prescription medications; with an additional 300 pounds of medications coming from our daily prescription drug drop off box, located in the JPD lobby. Across the nation, the DEA collected close to 420 tons of unwanted prescription medications.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.