Alabamians safely disposed of 4,105 pounds of unwanted, unneeded or expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
Held twice each year, Take Back Day aims to reduce the risk of medication misuse and potential drug overdoses by encouraging residents to clean out their medicine cabinets.
“By collecting unwanted and expired medications, we’re keeping them out of the hands of children and others who could accidentally or intentionally harm themselves,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, President of the Medical Association of the State of Alabama. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Days help make our communities safer and healthier by ensuring medications are disposed of responsibly.”
Since its inception 15 years ago, Take Back Day has successfully removed over 123,000 pounds of unwanted or expired medications in Alabama. This year, 36 law enforcement agencies across the state participated, with collections taking place at 47 different sites around Alabama.
Nationally, 670,136 pounds (335 tons) of prescription drugs were collected on April 27.
