GATLINBURG, Tenn.—On Saturday, October 25, the Gatlinburg Police Department will provide the public an opportunity to rid their homes with potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, as a part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency’s National Prescription Drug Takeback Day.
Those wishing to dispose of the unwanted medications can bring them to the Gatlinburg Police Department, located at 1230 East Parkway in Gatlinburg. The Police Department can be accessed from the rear of the City Hall complex and officers will be stationed at the rear door of the Police Department from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Accepted medications that may be dropped off include pills or patches. Liquids, needles or sharps can not be accepted.
In addition to the two National Prescription Drug Takeback Day’s, which are held in April and October each year, the Gatlinburg Police Department has its collection receptacle for unwanted prescription drugs set up in the lobby of its offices year-round.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.
Last fall, Americans turned in over 629,000 pounds at 4,644 collection sites across the Country. DEA, along with its law enforcement partners, have now collected over 8,318 tons of prescription drugs since the inception of the program. This October’s prescription drug takeback day marks the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s 29th nationwide event since its inception 14 years ago. Over the history of the event, nearly 10 tons of prescription drugs have been disposed of through these Takeback Days.
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