DEA will be holding a “Take Back” Day in Northern Virginia
By Krystle Weeks | Friday, April 22nd, 2011 | Policy, VirginiaWith prescription drug abuse on the rise in Fairfax County and across the nation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be holding a “Take Back” initiative, encouraging residents to bring their expired prescriptions for proper disposal. There are various sites throughout Northern Virginia. These sites include: Vienna Police Department, NOVA Community College-Annandale Campus, and the Virginia State Police Headquarters in Fairfax. There are also several sites in Loudoun County, Winchester, and Manassas.
The recent statistics of prescription drug abuse, especially among teenagers, are quite alarming. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), prescription drug abuse is growing, not just with the teenagers, but among those in the 35-44 age range.
Since 1999, abuse, misuse, and overdose and Prevention (CDC) conducted interviews of prescription drugs have significantly with SHOs and other senior leaders in nine increased. Each year more than 20,000 states. This report outlines the knowledge, persons in the United States die from drug perceptions, partnerships, recommendations, overdose. Those with the highest rates are policies, and other issues that are fundamental adults ages 35–44 and persons living in the to understanding and responding to drug South and West regions of this country.
With these statistics and recent reports of prescription drug abuse, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-Va.), who chairs the House Appropriations Committee that funds the DEA said that this initiative will make the community more aware about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
“Expired or unwanted prescription drugs in our medicine cabinets at home are often the starting point for kids who become addicted to Vicodin, Oxycontin, and other pain medications,” Wolf said. “The DEA’s ‘take-back’ initiative is an immediate step we can take to rid our homes of this risk and educate our kids about the proper use of prescription drugs.”
Wolf has been working with constituents, community groups, and local pharmacies, including Leesburg Pharmacy in Loudoun County, to build support for safe drug disposal.
“Many local organizations are to be commended for their efforts to support safe drug disposal and raise awareness of the dangers of improper disposal of controlled substances,” he added. “I encourage everyone across the 10th District to take advantage of this opportunity on April 30.”
For more information about the DEA’s “Take Back” initative, click here.
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About the author
Growing up in Maryland typically does not yield a Republican. Fortunately, Krystle Weeks was one of the lucky few booted to the Commonwealth for her staunch conservative views. From an early age, she has been debating politics, and since 2006, she has been involved here in the Commonwealth helping Republican candidates to victory. Aside from politics, Krystle is a runner and a dynamite cook. You can email her here. Krystle also blogs at Crystal Clear Conservative and Charm Offensive Cooking.
Comments
6 Responses to "DEA will be holding a “Take Back” Day in Northern Virginia"
Certainly superior to flushing them down the toilet.
Alternately, if the pick up points are not convenient to where you live, feel free to drop off your Vicodin and Oxycontin at my house and I’ll take care of it for you.
Seriously, Steve Vaughan makes an important point. For God’s sake don’t flush prescription drugs down the toilet. They are one of the most toxic forms of pollution getting into our water supply. Most of the ingredients will not come out in the sewage treatment process and go right into the environment.
Here is a good suggestion: if you have a cat, then dump the pills into the litter box when you change it. Safest way of disposing of unwanted drugs.
For the love of God, please note that HisRoc said the litter box and NOT the food bowl.
Good point, JR. A cat high on Oxycontin is an ugly thing.
If parents have children and have prescription drugs a small safe is a wise investment for the safety of their children and their cats.
When I remember it, I peel the labels from the bottles, stick them to a sheet of plain paper, and shred. Just like all of those credit card offers, preprinted checks drawn against your CC, etc etc.
Dumpster diving is more popular than most folks want to believe.
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