On Saturday, April 28, 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 15th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative. The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. This program is for liquid and pill medications. Needles, new or used, will not be accepted for disposal. This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police are pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, the drugs may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except the Toll Road Post. The event will be on Saturday, April 28, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

In addition to the Bloomington District Post of the Indiana State Police, other participants in Greene County include: the Greene County Sheriff's Department and Greene County General Hospital.

The Drug Take Back events are the safe, popular and responsible way for the public to legally and dispose of prescription drugs. No questions asked.