Those looking to dispose of prescription drugs in a safe, convenient, and responsible way can attend the Prescription Drug Give Back on Friday, April 21, between 9:30am-4:00pm.
Held by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division, this event will take place one day before the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
“Unused prescription medications can fall into the hands of children or get stolen and sold to those who misuse drugs," District Attorney Gonzalez said.
"It is essential to safely dispose of these medications as a measure to help prevent opioid addiction before it begins, which is why we have partnered for the first Rx Take Back in Brooklyn. On Friday, across 13 locations throughout the borough, residents are encouraged to turn in expired and unused prescription drugs in a way that doesn’t impact our environment and makes us all safer and healthier.”
According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 11.5 million people age 12 and older misuse a prescription pain reliever each year.
More than 40% of those drugs are obtained from friends and family members – typically without their knowledge. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is aimed at addressing this issue while providing education about the danger of misuse of prescribed medication.
“Events like these are an important part of the NYPD and our law enforcement partners’ efforts to fight the nationwide overdose epidemic and save lives," NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said.
"We encourage everyone — across Brooklyn, and across New York City as a whole — to share the responsibility for public safety by properly disposing of unneeded prescription medications. This is how we will continue to keep all of our communities safe.”
On Friday, April 21, between 9:30am-4:00pm, safe drop-off sites for expired and unused medication will be available to the public throughout Brooklyn, no questions asked.
The 13 locations, including the lobby of the DA’s Office, community centers, senior centers and churches, will be staffed with uniformed officers and include educational literature.
Here's the flyer, with information on where the locations are.
