Fairfield, CT - With opioid overdose deaths increasing during the pandemic, the Drug Enforcement Administration announces its 20th Take Back Day is scheduled for April 24th. At its last Take Back Day in October, DEA collected a record-high amount of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. With studies indicating a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has seen an increase in overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 83,544 Americans overdosing during the 12-month period ending July 1, 2020, the most ever recorded in a 12-month period. The increase in drug overdose deaths appeared to begin prior to the COVID-19 health emergency, but accelerated significantly during the first months of the pandemic.
The public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at collection sites which will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and regulations in order to maintain the safety of all participants and local law enforcement. Fairfield CARES and the Fairfield Police Department invite the community to participate with Drug Take Back Day by disposing of unneeded and unwanted medications at the safe medication drop-off box located in the vestibule of the Fairfield Police Department on 100 Reef Road in Fairfield.
DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. DEA will continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges at its drop off locations provided lithium batteries are removed.
Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.
ABOUT FAIRFIELD CARES
Fairfield CARES Community Coalition, established in 2009, is a town-wide organization of parents, school representatives, local business leaders, law enforcement, clergy, counseling professionals and youth services organizations. Fairfield CARES envisions a community that promotes healthy, responsible choices through prevention and education for youth, young adults, and families.ABOUT FPD
The Fairfield Police Department remains dedicated to maintaining a safe community and strives to achieve that mission through Professionalism, Honor and Excellence.