Lakewood Police Participating In Prescription Drug Take Back Day

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood police will participate in the 19th annual National Drug Take Back Day.

The event is organized by the DEA and is designed to reduce the amount of prescription medications in circulation. The agency said prescription drug abuse is surged in the wake of COVID-19 and the path to other addictions often starts inside a medicine cabinet.

The Lakewood Police Department, 12650 Detroit Ave., will be a drop-off site for unwanted or expired prescription medication on Oct. 24. Residents can get rid of their medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. that Saturday.

“Far too many times we see a friend or family member’s medicine cabinet unknowingly becoming the source of an accidental poisoning, an overdose, or abuse,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, whose office oversees DEA efforts in Michigan, Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

All collection sites will follow local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations.

“The initiative – now in its tenth year – addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy Shea. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Together with our partners, we are not only holding National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, but offering other ways to dispose of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription medications.”