When expired, unwanted, or unused, prescription drugs are a magnet for trouble. The ingestion thereof spurs chemical abuse and illness. And the mere presence of these drugs in residences can play a role in attracting theft.
Fifteen times in the past, the Milpitas Police Department has joined forces with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in inviting city residents to bring in their medications for safe disposal.
The 16th time’s coming at the end of the month: October 27. Time: 10AM to 2PM. Location: The Milpitas Police Department (1275 N. Milpitas Boulevard).
Only pills, patches, and liquids shall be accepted. The Department asks that the public not bring in needles or other sharps (i.e., lancets, auto injectors, etc.). Not only is this service free of cost, but it’s also anonymous, meaning the law enforcement officials facilitating the drop-off process will not be asking any questions or taking note of any residents’ identities.
The last time the Department ran this program, back in April, over 231 pounds of unwanted drugs (both prescription and over-the-counter) got turned in.
Nationwide, prescription drug abuse is occurring at epidemic levels, leading to widespread overdoses and poisonings. In the majority of cases of such abuse, family and friends serve as the source of drugs, be it voluntarily or involuntarily (i.e., through theft). Meanwhile, the authorities are continuously working to educate the public on the fact that the “old ways” of doing household drug disposal — tossing them in the trash, flushing them down the toilet — are hazardous from both health and safety standpoints.
To read more general info on prescription drug disposal, or to learn more about the upcoming October 27 event, go to: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/
