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Politics & Government

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 28th from 10 AM –2 PM the Lower Merion Police Department will participate in a prescription drug “take-back” day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The goal is to give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked and the event will be held at the Public Safety Building located at 71 E. Lancaster Avenue in Ardmore.

“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” remarked Michael J. McGrath, Superintendent of Police. “Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.” According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health Rates, abuse of prescription drugs in the United States is alarmingly high; in fact, more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Citizens can find other nearby collection sites by visiting www.dea.gov , clicking on the “Got Drugs?” icon, and following the links to a database, where they enter their zip code.

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