Katy Magazine News
April 14, 2019
By Jennifer Miko
The Katy ISD Police Department has partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to locally host the 17th annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27. This nationwide initiative addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will give the public an opportunity to safely dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications. The Katy ISD Police Department, in conjunction with the DEA, welcomes people to participate on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center, 20370 Franz Road, Katy.
The event, held on the same day at locations throughout the country, aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means for disposing of prescription drugs.
Keeping Drugs off the Streets
According to the DEA, pharmaceutical drugs can be just as harmful as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor's supervision. When prescription drugs fall into the wrong hands, the results can be dangerous, and even lethal. This nationwide event provides Americans the opportunity to prevent drug addiction and deaths from overdose.
"The Prescription Drug Take Back initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue," said Katy ISD Police Chief Robert Jinks.
The 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was held last October with nearly 6000 collection sites set up throughout the United States. During that one-day event, 457 tons of drugs were collected. The state of Texas accounted for 67 thousand pounds.
Drug Dangers in Your Home
"Families could be harboring dangerous prescription drugs in their own medicine cabinet without even knowing it," said Jinks. "This event allows residents to have a better and safe option to dispose of these items."
Prescription drug abuse can lead to accidental poisonings and overdoses. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, six million Americans abused controlled prescription drugs. The study also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were often found in the home medicine cabinet of families or friends.
Year-to-date, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day totals over 16 years have led to the proper disposal of nearly 5,500 tons of prescription drugs.
Event Information and Guidelines
During the program, members of the community can also learn about the potential for abuse of medications. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
Needles or sharp objects will not be accepted at the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Liquids must be in prescribed containers.
For more information, contact Captain Ivan B. Nelson, Katy ISD Police Department at 281-237-4039 or invanbnelson@katyisd.org.