National Drug Take Back Day

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – The drug epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health and public safety threat.

Many Law enforcement agencies participated in Take Back Day, to safely dispose unused or expired prescriptions.

This is the 15th year that the DEA has organized a national prescription drug take back day, and they say that there are more than 5,000 local drop off locations nationwide.

DEA Administrator, Anne Milgram says, ” Properly disposing of unneeded medications is essential, it stops drug poisonings and minimizes the risk for misuse.”

Too often, drugs find their way into the wrong hands, which can lead to accidental overdosing for children, or in contaminated waters. Which is why the Cape Girardeau Police Department, and other first responders have housed a medication drop off bin.

The bin for Cape Girardeau Police Department is accessible to the community Monday through Friday from 8-5 p.m. This is a free and easy way for the community to come together and make a difference in the drug epidemic.

For those who missed Take Back Day, year-round disposal locations can be found on dea.gov/takebackday.

As a reminder, they do not accept liquids, syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. However, liquid products such as syrup should remain tightly sealed and in the original container. Some areas will accept vaping devices and cartridges, provided, the lithium batteries are removed.