Prescription Drug Disposal Day in Brooklyn!

Most people don't know that there are low levels of dozens of prescription and OTC drugs, as well as their chemical components, in our water supply and the health effects are largely unknown. This is partially a result of people flushing unused prescriptions.  For background, here is an article about this as a nationwide concern: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-03-09-water_N.htm

Please consider bringing your unused drugs to the local collection sites listed in the US DEA announcement below: 
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The U.S. Department of Justice's Drug Enforcement Administration is sponsoring a...
NATIONAL TAKE BACK INITIATIVE
APRIL 30, 2011, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

This initiative 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 Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, DEA, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, September 25, 2010. The purpose of this National Take Back Day was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from our nation's medicine cabinets. There were approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated in the event. All told, the American Public turned in more than 121 tons of pills on this first National Take Back Day.

Due to the overwhelming success of the first event, DEA has scheduled the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them.

Two Take Back sites in the Brooklyn CB6 district include:

*NYPD 78th Police Precinct, 65 6th Avenue (between Dean & Bergen Streets)
*FDNY Engine 220/Ladder 122, 530 11th Street (between 7th & 8th Avenues)

New sites are being added to the list. Use link below to get most current listing, and to find a site near you!

http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html

Reminder: Drugs that are flushed down the toilet may ultimately find their way into a nearby waterway, like the Gowanus Canal, particularly in the event of a Combined Sewer Overflow event. Help us keep our canal clean, sober and drug-free!