United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department Announce Drug Take Back Day

SPOKANE, WASHINGTON  – The Drug Enforcement Administration has announced the date of its National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, October 28, DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications – those that are old, unwanted, or expired – that too often become a gateway to addiction.

Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

What:              National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

When:              Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Who:               United States Attorney’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Spokane Police Department

Where:            NorthTown Mall, 4750 North Division Spokane, WA 99207
(Northwest parking area)

In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 8,300 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

“We have all witnessed the ravaging effects of the opioid epidemic in our region, and we are encouraged by the proactive efforts members of our communities are taking to prevent prescription drug misuse and addiction. This will make Eastern Washington safer and stronger,” U.S. Attorney Waldref stated. “We are honored to partner with the DEA, Spokane Police, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spokane Fire Department for this important event.”

“DEA is committed to protecting the communities we serve, and one way we do this is by collecting unused and unneeded prescription medications,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Too often, substance misuse starts when young people take drugs they do not need from their parent’s or grandparent’s medicine cabinet.  National Prescription Take Back Day is an easy way that you can help protect our communities and our families from substance misuse.”

“As overdose deaths and misuse of drugs continue to destroy lives, including families and loved ones, we as a community need to address this at every level.  Drug Take Back Day is one of multiple efforts SPD collaborates with the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Turning in unused, unwanted or dangerous drugs to be safely disposed of helps keep our family and loved ones safer.  We hope the community takes advantage of this opportunity.”

For more information and to find a collection site near you, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.