National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this Saturday
Biannual event offers safe and secure disposal for potentially addictive medications

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday from  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. giving Tennesseans have a valuable opportunity to clean out their  medicine cabinets while reducing the risk of substance misuse. 

Take Back Day is organized nationally by the Drug Enforcement Administration to give people  an opportunity to safely and securely dispose of medications that are expired or no longer  needed. In Tennessee, the TDMHSAS Substance Use Prevention Coalitions across the state  partner with local law enforcement to host events where people can dispose of medications  take home important information about substance use prevention. For the October Take Back  Day, coalitions have organized more than 115 events statewide. 

Find a Take Back Day event near you at this link. 

During the April Take Back Day earlier this year, Tennesseans safely and securely disposed of  more than 17,000 pounds of medications. Since the program began, Tennesseans have  disposed of more than 433,000 pounds of medications. 

“Take Back Day is a simple way we all can have an impact on the issue of substance misuse in  our communities and in our own homes. By safely and securely disposing of potentially  addictive medications, we’re ensuring that they stay out of the hands of children and youth,”  said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams, LCSW. 

For Tennesseans who are not able to attend a Take Back Day Event, there are 384 permanent  prescription drug drop boxes located across the state. They can often be found in pharmacies,  grocery stores, police precincts, and sheriff’s offices. Anyone can securely and anonymously  dispose of medications, no questions asked. 

“This program serves many purposes. Among them are protection of public health and our  waterways,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment  and Conservation. “TDEC is proud to be a partner in the program. We want everyone to be  aware of the importance of this issue.”  

Find a permanent prescription drug drop box near you at this link. 

About the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Our Mission: Creating collaborative pathways to resiliency, recovery, and independence for Tennesseans living with mental illness and substance use disorders. 

Our Vision: A state of resiliency, recovery, and independence in which Tennesseans living with  mental illness and substance use disorders thrive.

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