DeLand PD Holds Drug Take-Back Event

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drug take back F.C.S.O.

DeLand, FL - The DeLand Police Department is set to take part in the DEA's National Drug Take-Back Day.

The event will be held on Saturday, April 30, from 10 AM to 2 PM in the front parking lot of the DeLand Police Department at 219 West Howry Ave. The event is an opportunity for people to dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs.

Law enforcement agencies have collected more than 2.8 million lbs, or 1,409 tons, of prescription medication in the past 5 take-back events alone.

People who are unable to participate in this event can still get rid of unwanted prescription drugs on their own by following some simple tips from the U.S. Food and Drug administration. First, remove the drugs from their original containers and mix them with coffee grounds, dirt, or kitty litter. Then place the mixture in a sealed bag, empty can, or a container so as to prevent the drug from leaking. Scratch out all identifying information on the label so it's unreadable - this will help protect your identity and personal health information. Don't give your medicine to friends. And when in doubt about how to properly dispose of drugs, ask your local pharmacist.

If drugs are disposed of improperly, it can cause problems. "We're finding through studies that people that take medicine and flush it down the commode... it does lead to what we call 'ground work contamination,' or another type of contamination," said Rod Hancock, Community Service Officer with the DeLand Police Department. "Unwanted prescription drugs that get into a landfill can also cause contamination in the ground." To avoid these contamination issues, the DEA takes the collected drugs and incinerates them.

For more information on this Take-Back event contact the Community Services Unit at 386-626-7468.

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