Roanoke community invited to participate in Drug Take Back initiative
Roanoke, Virginia – On Saturday, October 26th, the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, offering the community a safe and convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This initiative encourages residents to bring in their old, unused, or expired medications to designated locations, helping prevent potential drug misuse. The event not only promotes responsible medication disposal but also raises awareness of the growing opioid addiction crisis and its link to improper medication storage and disposal.
Why Take Back Day Matters
Prescription drug misuse is a critical issue in the United States, contributing significantly to the national opioid epidemic. Unused or expired medications, especially opioids, can easily fall into the wrong hands, leading to accidental overdoses or addiction. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to combat this by encouraging people to safely dispose of medications they no longer need.
“The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat,” the DEA stated. This initiative reflects the DEA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and health of Americans by removing potentially harmful medications from homes and communities.
How You Can Participate
Anyone with medications they no longer use is invited to bring them to a nearby collection site on October 26th. The Roanoke Sheriff’s Office will have secure drug disposal boxes available to accept medications throughout the year. By participating, the community can help reduce the risk of medication misuse and prevent addiction from taking root in local neighborhoods.
Remember to check your medicine cabinets for any outdated or unused medications before October 26th and drop them off to ensure they are safely disposed of, keeping your home and community safer.
For more information on collection locations and how to participate, visit the DEA’s Take Back Day website.