Credit: Naoto Anazawa
Bucks County is Pennsylvania’s leading participant in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The most recent collection event brought Bucks County’s total to more than 200,000 pounds of medication collected since the program began in 2010.
Last Saturday’s collection event helped Bucks County surpass the major milestone, collecting a total of 201,331.24 pounds of medication since 2010, officials said.
“Being number 1 in the state in medication take back shows that the citizens of Bucks County are dedicated to this cause,” said District Attorney Matt Weintraub. “And reaching more than 200,000 pounds of collected medication since the inception of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is another example of our community’s commitment to keeping all of us safe.”
The collection events have taken place during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at sites throughout the county and also during events at senior housing centers and from homebound residents.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, Bucks County Commissioners, Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, local police departments, and other organizations led the local drug take back event last week.
Police collected unused and expired prescription medications for safe disposal at 48 locations throughout the county.
“For nearly thirteen years, Bucks County residents have responded to the plea to rid their homes of unused medications. Keeping medications in the home can lead to accidental drug overdose by children and adults, as well as contribute to substance use disorder, theft, and illegal distribution. We are grateful for the support of Bucks County Commissioners, the District Attorney, law enforcement and others. The true heroes here are everyday residents who often ask how they can help reduce substance use in our community, and they collected over 200,000 pounds of medications which will never harm anyone” said Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission Executive Director Diane Rosati.
For individuals who missed the collection event last week, there are 44 permanent drop boxes positioned in police stations and hospitals all around Bucks County that are available year-round for free and anonymous medicine disposal. Click here to see a list of permanent box locations.
Most boxes accept all types of pharmaceuticals, including tablets, capsules, ointments, liquids, nasal sprays, inhalers, and prescriptions for pets. Needles and illegal substances are not permitted.
“It is essential to follow safe practices with all medications, including storing them properly, taking them only as prescribed, not sharing them with others, and disposing of both prescribed and over-the-counter medications in local medication drop boxes,” according to a statement from officials.
Locals can also access the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone, also known as Narcan, at no cost through the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission. For more information, visit www.bcdac.org or by calling the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission at 215-444-2700.
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