The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health, and TN Together are teaming up to encourage participation in the upcoming National Drug Take-Back Day on April 30th, 2022.
Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. That’s dangerous and often tragic. That’s why it was great to see thousands of folks from across the country clean out their medicine cabinets and turn in – safely and anonymously – a record amount of prescription drugs.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19. I don’t think there’s a better time than now to dispose of your medication if it is no longer needed or expired. If your medication does not fall into those categories, please pick up an at home lock box to keep them in a safe place. You can find these in store, online or at your local coalition.”
Accepted items include liquid medications (in leak-proof containers); medicated ointment, lotions, or drops; pills in any packaging (glass bottles, plastic containers, plastic bags, etc.); over-the-counter medications Liquid medications (in leak-proof containers); pet medications.
Prohibited items include blood sugar equipment; sharps/needles; illegal drugs & narcotics (police will accept these items if placed in the container); thermometers; IV bags; bloody or infectious waste; personal care products (shampoo, lotions, etc.).
This post, National Take Bay Day, was recently shared by TN Together.
