Full Notification

RIPON DRUG TAKE BACK April 29th

On Saturday, April 29th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Ripon Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 13th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills and syringes for disposal to the Ripon Police Department at 259 N. Wilma Ave. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 447 tons (over 893,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners.

Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 6.4 million pounds—about 3,200 tons—of pills. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends including from the home medicine cabinet.

Americans are now being advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards.

P.I.O-Lieutenant Steve Merchant Ripon Police Department 259 N. Wilma Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 209-599-2102 Business 209-599-0262 Desk 209-599-4034 FAX [email protected]