Take Back Day sheds light on drug abuse prevention

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Several local law enforcement agencies joined a national cause to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

National Drug Take Back Day was held Saturday, April 28, the first of two annual events created by the Drug Enforcement Administration to help prevent drug abuse.

According to the DEA, Ohio is second in the nation for Take Back partners and locations. And the goal of the event is clear — they want to provide safety to individuals and the environment.

The overall goal is to help prevent drug abuse and addiction.

“A lot of times, that addiction starts with finding a pill in the medicine cabinet,” said Brian McNeal with DEA’s Detroit Division.

All types of drugs, primarily in pill form, were collected Saturday at different drop off points around Montgomery County, like the sheriff’s office, Dayton Police Department and more.

This is the 13th year of the program, and 26th Take Back event the DEA has put together. Take Back Day is held twice per year, with one event in the spring and one in fall.

“It’s important because these are pills are fueling current addictions as well as they are oftentimes the start of a new addiction. So you don’t want your medicine cabinet to be a part of that cycle,” said McNeal.

According to the DEA, in April 2023 more than 40,000 pounds of prescription medication in the state of Ohio was collected.

And the message is clear — prevention starts with proper disposal.

“When you dispose of those medications on your own, whether it’s in the garbage can or it’s in the water, it makes its way into our soil and into our groundwater. And our friends at the municipal water, they let us know that, you know, it’s difficult to remove these impurities from our water,” said McNeal.

And it’s not just about the numbers; individuals are contributing to an even larger movement.

“It’s a nice little reminder to have those conversations with our loved ones about the safe use and storage and disposal of prescription medication,” said McNeal. “If you think about it, we’ve got every phase, whether it’s the people at home, local law enforcement, state law enforcement and even the National Guard is helping out because it’s that important of an issue.”

The DEA also says drop boxes are available throughout the year at select locations for pill disposal. Click here to learn more.

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