Indianapolis – On Saturday, April 27th, 2019, Hoosiers will have an opportunity to participate in the 17th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” Day by visiting Indiana State Police posts and locations sponsored by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy. In partnership with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.
“Combatting the drug crisis is one of Governor Holcomb’s top priorities, with a focus on prevention, treatment and enforcement,” said Jim McClelland, Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement. “By safely disposing of unused medications, Hoosiers can help protect their loved ones from substance misuse and be part of Indiana’s Next Level Recovery.”
Collection sites will be available for residents to conveniently and anonymously drop off any unused, expired or unwanted prescription medications, including liquid and pill medications. Syringes, new or used, will not be accepted for disposal. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked and medication will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment. In the past, Hoosiers have disposed of over five tons of potentially dangerous prescription medications through the use of these safe drop-off locations during Drug Take Back Days.
The twice-yearly event addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, abuse, or accidental poisoning.
“Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter. “Proper disposal safeguards against accidental exposure, diversion, or access to prescription medication for misuse.”
Collection sites coordinated by State Police, IPLA and community partners will be available on Saturday, April 27th, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
“IPLA and the Board of Pharmacy are proud to work with local partners to provide a safe means of disposal and ensure these substances are removed from our communities,” said IPLA Executive Director Deborah Frye.
Unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post during those hours, except the Toll Road Post. To locate the state police post closest to your home or business, click this link for Indiana State Police on the Map.
Additionally, the Indiana State Police will host a drop-off site on Friday, April 26th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. inside the Indiana Government Center North public entrance off of Robert Orr Plaza in Indianapolis. This is between the government north and south buildings, immediately west of the State Capitol building.
Designated drop-off locations sponsored by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy are listed below:
Sam’s Club
1101 Windhorst Way
Greenwood, IN 46143
In partnership with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department
Parkview Huntington
2001 Stults Rd
Huntington, IN 46750
In partnership with the Huntington County Sheriff’s Department
North Vernon City Fire Department
2000 North Madison Ave.
North Vernon, IN 47265
In partnership with the North Vernon Police Department
The Methodist Hospitals – Southlake Campus
8701 Broadway
Merrillville, IN 46410
In partnership with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department
Tell City Fire Department
702 12th St.
Tell City, IN 47586
In partnership with the Tell City Police Department
Community Hospital-Anderson
1515 Madison Ave.
Anderson, IN 46011
In partnership with the Community Hospital Anderson Police Department
Community Cancer Center-North
7979 N. Shadeland Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46250
In partnership with the Community Hospital Police Department
Community Hospital-East
Main Lobby
1500 N. Ritter Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46219
In partnership with the Community Hospital Police Department
Community Hospital-South
Main Entrance
1402 East County Line Rd
Indianapolis, 46227
In partnership with the Community Hospital Police Department
To find other locations participating in the “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative, visit the DEA’s online search tool
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Media Contacts:
Capt. David R. Bursten
Indiana State Police
317-232-0064
dbursten@isp.in.gov
Meredith Lizza
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
317-234-3050
mlizza@pla.in.gov
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