The Drug Enforcement Administration will be holding a National Prescription Medication Take-Back Day Initiative on April 26, 2014. Local Police Departments are collaborating with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) from Essex County in this event to set up various collection sites throughout Essex County, with an aim to decrease access to expired or unused prescription medications. Decreasing access to these medications will help decrease the misuse and abuse of prescription medication throughout Essex County.
Along with this one-day event, ADAPT will collaborate with the DEA on an awareness campaign throughout Essex County to educate residents on methods to monitor, secure, and properly dispose of their expired or unused prescription medication throughout the year.
Prescription medication abuse and misuse is a growing issue and continues to be a pressing concern in our local communities. Nearly one-third of people age 12 or older who tried an illicit drug for the first time in the past year began by using a prescription medication for non-medical reasons. Joel Torres, ADAPT’s Senior Coordinator, stated,
“We are seeing a growing number of young individuals abusing prescription medication throughout the county, State, and nation. Sadly, they start with prescription medication and then turn to heroin as a ‘cheaper alternative.’ You have the power to save a life by simply monitoring, securing, and properly disposing of your expired or unused medications.” For more details or for tips on monitoring, securing, and properly disposing your medication, check out www.essexadapt.org or contact Joel Torres at 973-323-3907 or [email protected].
The flyer to the right has information on local police departments in your are who are participating in the initiative.
ADAPT is here to help you learn more about prescription medication abuse/misuse and ways to make a difference within your home and community. Contact us and request more information or tips on having these discussions.
For more information on ADAPT, take a tour of our website or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
DO NOT FORGET TO BECOME A MEMBER AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR CHILDREN!
Sign up for our newsletter!
[…] The Drug Enforcement Administration will be holding a National Prescription Medication Take-Back Day Initiative on April 26, 2014. Local Police Departments are collaborating with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT) from Essex County in this event to set up various collection sites throughout Essex County, with an aim to decrease access to expired or unused prescription medications. Decreasing access to these medications will help decrease the misuse and abuse of prescription medication throughout Essex County. To read more click here. […]