CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia, ground zero for the nation’s opioid epidemic, is bracing for another battle. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Charleston District Office today announced locations for the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a desperate attempt to stem the flow of unused pills fueling addiction and death.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will provide over 90 designated collection sites across the state. This isn’t about convenience; it’s about survival in a state hemorrhaging lives to overdose. The DEA and federal prosecutors are hoping to make a dent in the readily available supply of prescription opioids that are frequently diverted for illicit use.
“West Virginians know that opioid abuse is at a crisis level,” stated United States Attorney Carol Casto, her voice echoing the grim reality facing the state. “Our state leads the nation in drug overdose deaths, and the widespread prevalence of unused prescription medication is a significant contributor to the problem.” Casto’s statement isn’t hyperbole; West Virginia consistently ranks among the highest in per capita overdose fatalities. This Take Back Day is a direct response to that devastating statistic.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Gourley of the DEA’s Charleston District Office grimly noted that “Last year, we lost more than 52,000 Americans to drug overdoses, more than 33,000 of those were from opioids.” Gourley emphasized the program’s simplicity: “This program gives West Virginians an opportunity to rid their households of unwanted prescription medications without question. These are prescriptions that won’t have a chance to get diverted in an illegal manner.”
Residents seeking to participate can locate the nearest collection site by visiting www.dea.gov and clicking on the “Take-Back Site Locations” icon, then searching by zip code, county, city, or state. A dedicated hotline, 800-882-9539, is also available. However, authorities stressed that only pills and solid medications (like patches) will be accepted. Liquids, needles, and other sharps are prohibited. Don’t expect a free pass for improperly disposing of dangerous waste – this is about responsible disposal, not a full-service cleanup.
While this Take Back Day is a vital step, it’s a temporary bandage on a gaping wound. The underlying issues of addiction, over-prescription, and the influx of illicit fentanyl continue to plague the state. Follow updates on this story and other federal investigations at @SDWVNews on Twitter. The Grimy Times will continue to report on the brutal realities of the drug war in West Virginia, and the fight for survival in a state drowning in opioids.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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