DELAWARE'S NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK EVENT COLLECTS 6,476 POUNDS OF MEDICINE

DOVER (May 5, 2014) - Delaware collected 6,476 pounds of unwanted or expired medicine during Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Delaware's Division of Public Health. Held on April 26, the event yielded the second highest total ever collected at a Delaware Drug Take-Back event. Delaware has held nine Drug Take-Back Days since the first statewide event in May 2010, and has collected a total of 40,068 pounds of unwanted or expired medicines.

Research suggests that 90 percent of addicts start out using prescription drugs before expanding into illicit substances. "Efforts like the Drug Take-Back Days are an important way to reduce the threat of drug diversion in our homes," said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf. "Parents also can use the news of these collection community days as a starting point for talking with their children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Across our country, 64 percent of young people age 12 to 17 say they have abused prescription pain relievers, and say they got them from a relative's or a friend's home. Drug Take-Back Days are a way that all Delawareans can participate in reducing the drug epidemic in our state."

The medications most commonly abused are prescription painkillers, sedatives such as anti-anxiety and sleep disorder medications, and stimulants such as those used to treat Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Drug take-back events are a good way to keep these drugs out of the wrong hands, and dispose of them in an environmentally safe manner.

The cumulative Delaware Prescription Drug Take-Back Day collections are:

For recommendations on handling unwanted or expired prescription drugs, contact the DEA at 1-800-882-9539.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.