DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day – Saturday, April 26

 

StandUP Polk and local law enforcement agencies are proud to join the Drug Enforcement Administration  and its national and community partners for the 28th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Medicine stored in home cabinets is highly susceptible to abuse. Discarding medication by flushing or throwing it in the trash also creates potential health and safety hazards. This event helps educate about the potential for misuse and offers a responsible means of disposal. 

Our community's Prescription Drug Take Back Day includes the following (8) Polk County locations for citizens to turn in Human and Pet prescription and over-the-counter medications (in liquid and solid form) as well as vaping pens and e-cigarette devices (batteries removed). Please place medication in a clear, air-tight plastic bag.

*Auburndale Police Dept. - 2 Bobby Green Plaza
*Bartow Police Dept. - 450 N. Broadway Ave.
*Haines City Police Dept. - 35400 Hwy 27
*Lakeland Police Dept. - 219 N. Massachusetts Ave.
*Lake Alfred Police Dept. - 190 N. Seminole Ave.
*Lake Hamilton Police Dept. - 100 Smith Ave.
*Lake Wales Police Dept. - 133 E. Tillman Ave.
*Winter Haven Police Dept. - 125 N. Lake Silver Dr. NW 

Medication 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). Permanent drop boxes can only accept medication in sold form (no liquids or syringes). 

Previous medication collections held in Polk County since 2010 have resulted in over 29,000 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 on the local Prescription Drug Take Back event, please contact Angie Ellison, InnerAct Alliance Executive Director and StandUP Polk at (863) 802-0777.