Spring 2013 Prescription Drug Take Back Event Nets 1,388 lbs. of Pharmaceuticals

StandUP Polk, the Coalition for a Drug-Free Polk, and local law enforcement agencies were proud to participate in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 27, 2013, and host our community’s Purge Your Pills Rx Drop Off for citizens to turn in unused, expired, or unwanted Human and Pet Medications.

An estimated 1,388 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals were collected and safely disposed of via incineration. Drop-off sites included Auburndale Police Department, Bartow Police Department, Haines City Police Department, Lake Alfred Police Department, Lake Wales Police Department, Lakeland Police Department, and Winter Haven Police Department.

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.

This latest event brings the total for prescription medication collections held in Polk County, FL to nearly 4,400 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals to date.

Citizens may bring unwanted medications to the county’s permanent drop sites: Auburndale Police Dept. (2 Bobby Green Plaza, weekdays 8-5); Haines City Police Dept. (35400 Hwy 27, weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred Police Dept. (190 N. Seminole Avenue, 24hrs/7days); Lakeland Police Dept. (219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, 24hrs/7days); or Winter Haven Police Dept. (125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, weekdays 8-6). 

Medications may also be safely disposed of at home by dissolving them in water, mixing with coffee grounds or cat litter, pouring into a zip lock bag, and putting them in the trash. To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dump any medications into the toilet.  

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 Juli Davis, StandUP Polk coalition coordinator, at (863) 802-0777.