Police Set Up Drug Take-Back Event Oct. 29

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will once again collaborate with local law enforcement and community partners at Oct. 29 for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The DEA effort is intended to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Last April, the , Mercer Island Communities That Care Coalition (CTC), and the DEA held a Drug Take-Back Day that netted nearly 140 pounds of unwanted, unused or expired prescription drugs. The City encourages Islanders to bring their medications for disposal to the Mercer Island City Hall loading dock located on the lower level of the West side of the building. Accroding to the city press release, the service is free and anonymous — no questions asked.

During the national take-back event last April, Americans turned in 376,593 pounds-188 tons-of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners including the site on Mercer Island. All drugs collected at City Hall are mailed — at the city's expense — to a DEA-designated location that is approved to safely dispose of the drugs.

This initiative addresses a vital public health and safety issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to 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. On Mercer Island 5% of 12th grade students reported using prescription drugs to get high in the past 30 days (2010 Healthy Youth Survey) which, although below King County average of 7%, continues to represent an unnecessary and preventable risk.  

In addition, Islanders are advised that flushing medicines down the toilet poses potential environmental safety and health hazards.

CTC to Provide Free Prescription Medication Lock Boxes 

CTC is sponsoring free prescription medication lock boxes for those dropping off medications at the event. Lock boxes are one way to securely store prescription medications in the home, at work, or when traveling. Those interested in lock boxes are advised to arrive early as supplies are limited. 

More event information is available on the DEA website. For information about other sites locally where prescription drugs will be collected on the 29th and to learn about permanent drop-off locations and steps for proper home disposal, see the Take Back Your Meds website. Contact Mercer Island Police Officer Chad Schumacher with questions specific to the Mercer Island event at chad.schumacher@mercergov.org.