Over 50 law enforcement offices, rescue departments and pharmacies in Vermont have signed up as drop-off locations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's ninth annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 26.
Last week, Gov. Peter Shumlin announced Vermont would take part in the effort. He commented, “Prescription drugs that fall into the wrong hands, on purpose or by accident, can be incredibly dangerous. Diversion of prescription painkillers is especially dangerous and helps to fuel the opiate and heroin crisis we’re working to combat. As we continue to work to address the issue of addiction in our state, Vermonters can help by checking their medicine cabinets and safely disposing of any unneeded drugs on September 26.”
Organizers say drug take-back day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue, as prescription drugs left in home medicine cabinets are susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. According to a 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 4 percent of Vermonters over age 12 misused a prescription pain reliever in 2012.
“Prescription drugs are Vermont’s most dangerous leftovers,” Vermont Health Commissioner Dr. Harry Chen said in a press release. “Nearly 70 percent of people age 12 and older who abused prescription painkillers got them from friends or relatives, often straight out of the medicine cabinet. To prevent misuse, we want everyone to know how to safely use, store and dispose of unused or expired medicine."
Officials say flushing unused medications down the toilet or sink is not a safe way to dispose of prescriptions and can be hazardous to the environment, polluting lakes, rivers, and streams.
Pill and patch forms of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs will be collected at all take-back locations. Liquids and needles will not be accepted.
In the previous take-back days, nationwide a total of 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons, of drugs were collected. Last fall 3,349 pounds of drugs were collected just in Vermont during Drug Take-Back Day.
