Attorney General Ashley Moody is urging Floridians to participate in the 27th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This biannual event, organized by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, provides secure locations for individuals around the nation to safely dispose of unneeded or expired prescription medications. This Saturday, Floridians can visit drop-off locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get rid of unwanted or expired prescriptions. Every year, more than 100,000 people die from a drug overdose—Attorney General Moody and law enforcement statewide are dedicated to combating the opioid epidemic.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Addiction doesn’t always start with illicit substances—it can begin with misusing prescription drugs. By safely disposing of unused prescriptions this weekend, you can help stop addiction from starting. We are highlighting safe prescription drug disposal locations across the state for the 27th Drug Take Back Day. Visit DEA.gov/TakeBackDay to find a location near you and help ensure that drugs don’t fall into the wrong hands.”
In April, more than 4,600 law enforcement officers across the nation participated in the 26th Drug Take Back Day, helping collect more than 670,000 pounds of drugs. For perspective, that’s equivalent to the weight of more than 600 cows! In the Sunshine State, Floridians disposed of nearly 30,000 pounds of drugs.
Florida has more than 200 locations for individuals across the state to safely dispose of prescription medications. Visit DEA.gov/TakeBackDay to find a location near you. The DEA website also includes resources detailing the effects drugs can have on the body and explains the difference in drug schedules.
To inform Floridians about the dangers of opioid misuse, Attorney General Moody developed the Dose of Reality Florida website. For more information about the dangers of the opioid crisis and to find a list of other year-round drug drop-off locations, visit DoseOfRealityFL.com—a statewide, comprehensive tool that provides information and resources about opioid misuse.
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