People may dispose of unused and unwanted medication at Sarasota Police Department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the Sarasota Police Department once again will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for a National Drug Take-Back Initiative, the department has announced.
This is an opportunity for members of the public “to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs,” a news release explains.
Anyone may bring pills for disposal to the front lobby of the Sarasota Police Department, which is located at 2099 Adams Lane in Sarasota, the release points out. (The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles or sharps; only pills and patches). The service is free and anonymous; “no questions asked,” the release emphasizes.
“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” the release notes. Medications “that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse,” the release continues. “Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet,” the release points out
“In addition, Americans are being advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines, flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, both pose potential safety and health hazards,” the release says.
The Sarasota Police Department also has a permanent drop-box in the lobby at Sarasota Police Headquarters at 2099 Adams Lane in Sarasota. It can be accessed from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, the release notes.