On Saturday, October 23rd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Palatine Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills and patches for disposal to the Palatine Police Headquarters located at 595 N. Hicks Rd. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Last spring, Americans turned in 420 Tons (839,543 lbs.) of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites operated by the DEA and over 4,400 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its twenty previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken in over 14.5 million pounds—more than 7,200 tons—of unwanted prescription drugs.
To ensure a quick and safe transaction, please do the following;
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. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 23rd Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or call the Palatine Police Department at 847- 359-9000.