Student Health Services Accepts Unused Prescriptions Oct. 29
Along with SDSU Police, SHS will sponsor a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day site in O Lot.
Got unused prescription drugs? The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency wants them!
Saturday, Oct. 29, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. In collaboration with the DEA, SDSU Police and the health promotion department of Student Health Services is co-sponsoring an anonymous drop-off site for medications.
Located in lot “O” on the corner of Lindo Paseo and College Ave from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., community members will be able to anonymously deposit all unwanted prescription medication. Please note this site will not accept any sharps material, such as needles.
About National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time every day. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.
Some medications can be thrown away or flushed down the toilet, however, there are numerous environmental and community health problems associated with this disposal method. First, throwing away medication is dangerous for the environment because it is unknown how the pills will react in a landfill or what toxic chemicals may be released as it and other items degrade. Secondly, people can still access unused medication even if it is disposed in the trash, providing access to not only pills, but information on the patient for whom it was prescribed.
For more information on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit the website.
