Palatine Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National RX Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Palatine Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your pills and patches for disposal to the Palatine Police Headquarters located at 595 N. Hicks Rd.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last Fall, Americans turned in 300 tons (599,897 lbs.) of prescription drugs at 4,675 sites operated by the DEA and 4,383 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 25 previous Take Back events, the DEA and its partners have taken n almost 18 million pounds - more than 8,900 tons - of pills and prescription drugs.

To ensure a quick and safe transaction, please do the following;

• Medication: All medication should be sealed in clear plastic zip-lock bag(s).
• Syringes: Although the DEA does not accept Syringes, Palatine Police will accept Syringes for disposal. Syringes must be capped and packaged separately from medication.
• Liquids: WILL NOT be accepted.
• Creams: UNOPENED creams only.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.  In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines - flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash - pose potential safety and health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 27th Take Back Day event, go to www.DEATakeBack.com or call the Palatine Police Department at (847) 359-9000.