Columbus Doctors Promote Safe Disposal of Unused Medications During National Drug Take Back Day
COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Saturday, the nation recognized National Drug Take Back Day, a collaborative initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local law enforcement to encourage the safe disposal of unused or expired prescription medications.
Residents across the country participated in this biannual event, including Emily Schwisow, who expressed relief after clearing unwanted medications from her home: “It’s great to have them out of my house. I don’t need to worry about them anymore.”
With drug overdoses ranking among the leading causes of death in the U.S., the importance of proper medication disposal is underscored. In 2023 alone, over 100,000 Americans lost their lives due to drug overdoses. Dr. David Streem, medical director at Cleveland Clinic’s Alcohol and Drug Recovery Center, emphasized that improperly used prescription medications can lead to severe health risks: "Blood pressure and heart rate can drop dramatically, putting people at critical risk."
National Drug Take Back Day aims to prevent medications from falling into the wrong hands, especially among children and pets. Since its inception in 2010, the program has safely collected over 19 million pounds of unwanted medications. Participants were advised that only specific items, such as tablets, capsules, and patches, can be accepted. Liquid medications must remain in their original containers, while syringes and illicit drugs are prohibited.
Additionally, this year, the DEA expanded the initiative to include the collection of vaping devices and cartridges, provided lithium batteries are removed. For those unable to participate in the event, central Ohio offers year-round disposal resources at various locations. For more information, residents can visit the designated online resource.
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