Prescription drugs may be a necessary protocol for some, but they need not be an unnecessary evil for others by accidently getting into the hands of children or inadverently dumped in land fills or our water systems.
April 28th, 2012 marks the 4th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day sponsored by the government's Drug Enforcement Agency. This saturday, the agency is encouraging everyone to safely dispose of expired or unwanted medications by taking them to an approved prescription drug disposal site open to the public.
In the past there have been over 5,000 collection sites covering all 50 states and U.S. Territories. In three previous drug take back collection efforts over the past 13 months, it was calculated that nearly 500 tons of unwanted and unused medications were disposed of properly.
These results obviously show the great need there is to have safe and proper disposal methods available. It also signifies a successful effort in reducing the risk of unwanted and potentially dangerous medications being found by children and seeping our local water supply that can contaminate it's inhabitants.
The Drug Enforcement Agency has conveniently set up an online search portal to find the nearest collection site for anyone that needs to dispose of their unwanted medications this saturday, April 28th.
After speaking with both the Missoula police and fire departments, they have yet to solidify the collection times at the Southgate Mall and other locations, but they invite your cooperation with the program and welcome your calls for more details.
To find a local drop off site near you, please go to https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/SEARCH-NTBI/
You many also call 1-800-882-9539 for general information about the program.
Sources: Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Agency
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html
Missoula Police Department: Police Chief, Mark Muir(406) 552-6303
Missoula Fire Department: Fire Chief, Justin Diehl (406)552-6210
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