On Saturday, September 27th, 2014, the Downey Police Department and members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), Downey Police Explorers and Downey C.E.R.T members participated in the National Prescription Drug-Take Back Initiative. As a result, community members dropped off over 384 pounds of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. All of the collected items were turned over to the D.E.A for disposal.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. According to the 2009 National Survey on drug Use and Health, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high. More Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than those who abuse cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
For more information regarding proper disposal methods of disposing your medicine, please visit the D.E.A.’s Diversion Control Website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/.
Questions and comments may be directed to Jennifer Burkhardt at [email protected] or (562) 904-2375.
