Saturday, October 26th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

This Saturday, October 26^th is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
DEA Will Accept Vaping Devices & Cartridges

October is National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month to raise awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse. StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to participate in this initiative, sponsored by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), and join The Drug Enforcement Administration for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides a convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs and other expired or unused Human and Pet medications in liquid and solid form, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medication. Medications should be placed in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

The DEA has announced that it will now accept vaping pens and other e-cigarette devices (with batteries removed) at all drop off locations. This announcement is significant as news reports continue to draw attention to the association between serious lung injury and use of e-cigarette and vaping products. Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as of October 15, 2019, 1,479 cases of vaping-related lung injury have been reported in 49 states. The CDC also reported 33 deaths confirmed in 24 states.

Drug Take-Back Day will take place from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the following drop-off locations in Polk County:

Auburndale Police Department – 2 Bobby Green Plaza, Auburndale, FL
Bartow Police Department – 450 North Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL
Haines City Police Department – 35400 Highway 27, Haines City, FL
Lakeland Police Department – 219 N. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL
Lake Alfred Police Department – 190 N. Seminole Avenue, Lake Alfred, FL
Lake Hamilton Police Department – 100 Smith Avenue, Lake Hamilton, FL
Lake Wales Police Department - 133 E. Tillman Avenue, Lake Wales, FL
Winter Haven Police Department – 125 N. Lake Silver Drive NW, Winter Haven, FL

Unwanted medications may also be taken to the county’s permanent drop sites, funded by Givewell Community Foundation, at the Police Department locations in: Auburndale (weekdays 8-5); Haines City (weekdays 8-5); Lake Alfred (24hrs/7days); Lake Hamilton (weekdays 8-5); Lakeland (24hrs/7days); and Winter Haven (weekdays 8-5).  To avoid harming lakes and ground water, please do not dispose of any kind of medication in the toilet.  

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in 18,573 pounds of recovered pharmaceuticals safely disposed of via incineration. StandUP Polk is a community coalition working together to prevent harm and promote health through education, public awareness, and advocacy including strategies to prevent youth substance abuse. For more information, please contact StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.