(Santa Ana, CA) - The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications on “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at numerous locations throughout Orange County (OC).
“This is a great opportunity for individuals to clean out their medicine cabinets while helping to safeguard the health and well-being of those they love,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, Chief of HCA’s Mental Health and Recovery Services. “Pharmaceutical medication can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision. The opioid crisis is nationwide and here in Orange County. Participating in events like National Take Back Day makes an impact.”
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Event supports the HCA’s commitment to the safety and health of the OC community by encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from homes to prevent misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day helps to draw attention to this ongoing issue and reminds us how together we can keep our communities safe. To locate a Take Back drop-off site near you, please visit the Drug Enforcement Administration’s website at www.DEATakeback.com or call 1(800) 882-9539. Drop-off service is free and anonymous.
To learn more about medication misuse prevention efforts in Orange County or to find local safe disposal locations available year-round, visit: www.ochealthinfo.com/adept.
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