An estimated 755.26 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals filling 39 bags were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department, as well as Everest University’s Lakeland Campus.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet. Previous prescription medication collections held in Polk County, FL have resulted in nearly 3,000 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals.
Unwanted medications may be taken to Polk County’s new Permanent Drop Sites located at:
Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL (weekdays, 8 am-5pm)
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL (24 hours/7 days)
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 North Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL (24 hours/7 days)
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW, Winter Haven, FL (weekdays, 8am – 6pm)
StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, is a group of concerned citizens, law enforcement, community and business leaders working together to take a stand against drugs and bring about positive change for Polk County.
For more information, please contact Lisa A. Jones, StandUP Polk coalition coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.
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