Drop off your unwanted prescriptions at the SAPD’s Westend office on 10/22

For Immediate Release: October 12, 2016

Contact: HCA Communications, Media Line: (714) 834-2178, Email: HCAComm@ochca.com

Drop-Off Unwanted Prescriptions at More Than 30 OC Locations on ‘National Take Back Day’

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Health Care Agency encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on “National Take Back Day” occurring Saturday, October 22 at more than 30 locations throughout Orange County.

“I encourage people to clean out their medicine cabinets and bring in expired, unused or unwanted prescription medication because one of the main sources of drug misuse in individuals over the age of 12 is prescription pain medication they’ve taken from a friend or family member,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “The opioid epidemic is nationwide and it’s important we address it through participating in events like ‘National Take Back Day.’”

Since the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) began “National Take Back Day” in 2010, Orange County residents have dropped off 54,000 pounds of unused prescription medications for safe disposal – about the weight of a large, full garbage truck. The ‘Take Back’ event that occurred earlier this year resulted in the collection of more than 7,800 pounds of unused or unwanted medications.

The drop-off service is free and anonymous. To locate a collection site in your area, please visit the DEA’s website here. To learn more about drug abuse prevention efforts in Orange County, visit http://ochealthinfo.com/adept.

Drop Off Site in Santa Ana:

• SANTA ANA POLICE DEPARTMENT, WESTEND OFFICE LOBBY, 3750 WEST MCFADDEN AVE., UNIT I, SANTA ANA