National drug take back results in 720,000 pounds of discarded medication

Communities across the country supported the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Across the U.S., people participated by dropping off more than 720,000 pounds of unneeded medications. Kentucky dropped off a total of 10,307 pounds.

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an important part of DEA’s efforts to fight the overdose epidemic and save lives,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “I encourage everyone across the country to dispose of unneeded medications throughout the year to help keep our communities safe and healthy.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that someone in the United States is dying of a drug overdose every five minutes.

Take back day events provide easy, no-cost opportunities to get rid of old medications in your home, potentially preventing drug abuse and theft.