Take Back Day nets more than 11,000 pounds of unwanted medications in Kentucky

More than 4,200 law enforcement agencies across the county joined the Drug Enforcement Agency for the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25.

The DEA says more than 571,000 pounds of unneeded and expired medications were removed from home medicine cabinets for safe disposal during the October 25 Take Back Day, which saw participation at more than 4,300 collection sites nationwide.

In the Louisville Division, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia, the DEA and partner agencies collected more than 34,000 pounds, with Kentucky agencies collecting 11,338.8 pounds. The goal of Take Back Day is to help prevent prescription drug misuse and abuse, and to reduce the potential for accidental overdoses and poisonings.

Those who were unable to participate in Take Back Day can still dispose of unwanted pills and medications. More than 16,500 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses participate in the DEA’s Every Day is Take Back Day program and offer permanent drop boxes. Many police departments also offer drop boxes.

Find a permanent drop box near you and find more statistics on Take Back Day results at www.dea.gov/takebackday.