Avondale Estates Police to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Avondale Estates Police Department will collect unused prescriptions and other medicine at City Hall as part of National Drug Take Back Day. Officers will be on hand to collect medication from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at 21 N. Avondale Plaza, according to a press release.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Improper disposal of medications can lead to abuse of these drugs or accidental exposures to children and pets. Flushing prescription medications into a toilet can contaminate groundwater along with streams and rivers.

The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue. According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019. The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.