National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is October 27

NASHVILLE—Tennesseans have a powerful opportunity to prevent drug addiction in their homes and communities by participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, organized nationally by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, brings together local law enforcement, community groups, and families for the common goal of safely and securely disposing potentially dangerous expired, unused, or unwanted medications.  The disposal service is offered free of charge and no questions asked.

“If we’re going to continue to make progress in Tennessee’s opioid crisis, continuing to reduce the availability of addictive prescription painkillers is essential,” said Marie Williams, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.  “This take back event gives us all the opportunity to look at what’s in our medicine cabinet, dispose of what’s expired or no longer needed, and prevent these medications from being diverted to start or sustain an addiction.”

A federal study shows more than 65% of people who misuse prescription pain relievers obtain them from a friend or a relative.

In the most recent National Prescription Drug Take Back event last April, 155 Tennessee law enforcement agencies worked with community partners at 187 participating take back sites to collect more than 20,000 pounds of prescription drugs.  Since 2010, Tennesseans have safely and securely disposed of more than 200,000 pounds of prescription drugs in 15 DEA-sponsored events.

Locate a permanent drug drop box near you on this map.

In addition to special take back events, there are permanent drug take back boxes in many police precincts, sheriff’s offices, and pharmacies.  For more information on the permanent drug take-back boxes across Tennessee, visit this link.