On April 22nd, 2023, the United States celebrated National Drug Take Back Day, an event that aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible way for individuals to dispose of their unused, expired, or unwanted prescription drugs. The initiative is organized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
The results of this year’s Drug Take Back Day were impressive, with communities across the country making significant strides in the fight against prescription drug abuse. In New Hampshire alone, 10,469 pounds and 410 boxes of prescription drugs were collected.
The Greater Manchester Region collected an impressive 1020.8 pounds of prescription drugs, with 46 boxes collected. This region represented almost 10% of the states total collection.
These numbers reflect the growing awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the need for proper disposal of unused or expired medications. By participating in Drug Take Back Day, individuals can help prevent drug diversion and abuse, protect the environment, and safeguard public health and safety.
In addition to the collection efforts, community organizations also distributed prevention packets to educate the public on the dangers of prescription drug abuse and the importance of proper disposal. In Manchester, 75 prevention packets were distributed, helping to raise awareness of this critical issue.
The success of Drug Take Back Day is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the commitment of individuals to protect their families and communities from the harms of prescription drug abuse.
As we look to the future, it’s important to remember that drug take back efforts don’t end on National Drug Take Back Day. Individuals can continue to safely dispose of their prescription drugs by utilizing community drop-off boxes, mail-back programs, or participating in local medication disposal events. With ongoing efforts, we can continue to make progress in the fight against prescription drug abuse and protect our communities from harm.
The results of Drug Take Back Day are encouraging, and we should all strive to continue these efforts throughout the year. We could not have achieved such a successful Take Back Day without the incredible efforts of the DEA, Manchester Police Department, MCPHS students, and all our volunteers. Your passion and drive have empowered us to make a real difference in our communities!
Written by Ashley Bachert | May 1st, 2023
