Take-back events have collected 76,475 pounds of drugs in Delaware

This Saturday, April 28, Delawareans can empty out their medicine cabinets at 24 locations in Kent, Sussex and New Castle counties. 

The event will mark Delaware’s 16th Drug Take-Back Day. The Drug Enforcement Administration first organized the twice-a-year event back in 2010 to help dispose of extra prescription drugs.

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The 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 6.4 million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs.

Here in Delaware, the effort has led to the collection of 76,475 pounds of medication over eight years. 

“To reduce the toll that addiction is having on our state, we are combining education and prevention efforts like the Drug Take-Back Day efforts, with strong law enforcement and control measures, and an expanding treatment and recovery system,” said Gov. John Carney. 

The DEA warns against holding onto unused drugs, particularly prescription pain killers, which played a major role in the national opioid epidemic. The program also seeks to divert medications from getting flushed down toilets into the waste water stream. 

“Unwanted, expired or unused prescription medications are often an unintended catalyst for addiction,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Participating in Drug Take-Back Days provides the average person a concrete way they can make a difference in the ongoing opioid epidemic our state is facing. By taking the important step of cleaning out medicine cabinets, you can make your home safe from potential prescription drug abuse or theft.”

Building Stronger Communities: How to Effectively Support Local Nonprofits 

In every community, nonprofits play a vital role in addressing social issues, providing essential services, and enriching the lives of residents.

Here is a list of the 24 participating sites: 

 

New Castle County

  • Christiana Care Surgical Center, 4755 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark
  • Delaware City Police Department, 407 Clinton St., Delaware City
  • Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 La Grange Ave., Newark
  • Middletown Police Department, 130 Hampden Road, Middletown
  • New Castle County Airport, 151 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle
  • New Castle County Police Department, 3601 N. DuPont Highway (permanent collection site)
  • Shipley Manor Nursing Home, 2723 Shipley Road, Wilmington
  • Wilmington VA Medical Center, 1601 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington

Kent County

  • Atlantic Apothecary, 103. S. Dupont Blvd., Suite 2, Smyrna
  • Camden Police Department, 1783 Friends Way, Camden (permanent collection site)
  • Cheswold Police Department, 691 Main St., Cheswold
  • Delaware State Police Troop 3, 3759 S. State St.
  • Felton Police Department, 24 E. Sewell St., Felton (permanent collection site)
  • Milford Police Department, 400 NE Front St., Milford (permanent collection site)

Sussex County

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  • City of Lewes Board of Public Works, 129 Schley Ave., Lewes
  • Dagsboro Police Department, 33134 Main St., Dagsboro
  • Delaware State Police Troop 7, 18006 Coastal Highway, Lewes
  • Laurel Police Department, 205 Mechanic St., Laurel (permanent collection site)
  • Milton Police Department, 101 Federal St., Milton
  • Ocean View Police Department, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View, (permanent collection site)
  • CVS Pharmacy, 36252 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville
  • Lewes Ferry Terminal, 43 Cape Henlopen Road, Lewes
  • Rehoboth Police Department, 229 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach
  • Selbyville Town Hall, 68 W. Church St., Selbyville (permanent collection site)

More information is available at: www.helpisherede.com.

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