YORK, Pa. — The York Opioid Collaborative joined forces with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of National Take Back Day on Saturday, an annual event started by the DEA that addresses vital public safety and public health issues.
It allowed people to drop off unused or expired prescription medication and controlled substances at local takeback locations across York County.
“We don’t want people throwing that in the trash where it could potentially be taken out and misused, but also just to prevent an accidental poisoning if people were to get their hands on it,” said Brittany Shutz, Executive Director of York Opioid Collaborative.
The initiative started in September of 2010, but now takes place every October and April.
Earlier this year, the DEA collected more than 29,000 pounds of unused or expired prescription medication across the commonwealth.
In total, the DEA collected over 332 tons of prescription medications across 4,955 collection sites in the United States.
However, organizers say two days aren’t enough to keep people safe.
“Obviously, this is only twice a year so it could be people are running errands and just don’t have time to bring it, so it is kind of what I say is an obstacle," stated Samantha Zahm, Deputy Director of York Bureau of Health.
“What we hear is a lot of people are just not aware that there’s an importance of disposing of their meds safely or storing their meds safely,” Shutz added.
People who left their medications behind were able to leave with some newfound knowledge and assurance that their drugs won't be misused.
“I think everyone acknowledges the vital importance of providing that education when you’re giving out a medication about the safe storage and the safe disposal,” Shutz said.
“Even if one person shows up, I say that’s a success,” Zahm expressed.