PIKESVILLE, MD – The Maryland State Police in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration are asking citizens dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at state police barracks.
State police barracks throughout Maryland will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. Each barrack will act as a collection station giving citizens an opportunity to dispose of all unwanted and unused prescription drugs. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Second only to marijuana, non-medical prescription drugs are the most commonly used drug in the country. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, majority of teenagers abusing prescription drugs are finding an unlimited supply in their family’s medicine cabinet.
The Maryland State Police have collected about 19,897 pounds of expired and unwanted prescription medications combined through similar events since 2014. In October, state police removed close to 1,895 pounds of prescription medications from circulation.
As part of Maryland’s combined effort to reduce opioid abuse, Maryland State Police barracks across the state have become around-the-clock drop-off locations for unused prescription medications. All 23 Maryland State Police barracks are now equipped with secure drug collection boxes and available around-the-clock for unused medication drop off. No questions will be asked when deposits are made. Residents can locate the closest Maryland State Police barrack by visiting the state police web site.
The Maryland State Police is a partner in the Opioid Operational Command Center, which facilitates collaboration between state and local public health, human services, education, and public safety entities to combat the heroin and opioid crisis and its deadly impact on Maryland communities. Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic—and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery.
