SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will take part in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back that will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
According to a press release from the SMPD, the public will be given the opportunity to bring any expired, unwanted, or unused prescription medications for recycling to the Public Safety Facility. The location will be at 333 Olympic Drive. Participating will be completely anonymous and free and no questions will be asked.
During a recent nationwide collection in April 2014, at least 780,000 pounds of prescription drug pills were gathered from the event.
The DEA’s initiative seeks to prevent the misuse, divert, and abuse of prescription medications. According to the DEA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 6.8 million Americans were abusing prescription drugs in 2012.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back will provide the users of such prescriptions a reliable and convenient method for removal. To learn more information about acceptable transfer of prescription drugs or to locate a drug take-back site in your area visit: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/index.html. For more information, please contact Community Affairs at (310) 458-8474.
