SPOKANE, WASHINGTON – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its 24th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a bi-annual event where Americans can dispose of unwanted prescription drugs, including tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at NorthTown Mall in Spokane, Washington. The event is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Spokane Police Department.
For over a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans rid their homes of unneeded medications that too often become a gateway to addiction. Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.
The event has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container with the cap tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
“The United States is committed to reducing tragic drug overdose deaths. By participating in events like Prescription Drug Take Back Day, federal, state, local, and tribal community leaders help remove expired narcotics from our communities, prevent medication misuse, and make Eastern Washington safer and stronger,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “Drug take back events are one way our community can positively impact the opioid crisis and protect loved ones. Prescription drug misuse and overdose deaths do not discriminate – they can impact individuals of any age, race, gender or demographic.”
“The DEA is committed to protecting our communities,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “One way we do this is with our National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. By removing unused and unwanted prescription drugs we eliminate the first step that leads to misuse and drug addiction.”
Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl stated, “We have a critical drug use issue in our community. From the open use of dangerous drugs like fentanyl by those stuck in addiction, to the misuse of prescription drugs, overdose deaths are all too common in Spokane. From February 2022 through February 2023, the Medical Examiner reported 185 overdose deaths in Spokane County. Our officers see the heartbreak and expense of drug-related crimes – property and violent crimes – every day. Drug Take Back Day is one tangible way community members can step in and help address the drug crisis in a positive way.”
Residents interested in learning more about the event and finding a collection site near them can visit www.DEATakeBack.com. This is a unique opportunity for the community to come together and address the opioid crisis in a positive and effective way.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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