JACKSON, Wyo. — This week, the Town of Jackson will participate in The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
On Thursday, Oct. 28 community members can safely dispose their unused prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Town Hall Parking Lot (150 E. Pearl Ave).
“The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue,” said the Town in a press release.
In recent years, statistics indicate that prescriptions drugs have been misused by millions of Americans.
“According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019,” said the Town in a press release.
The survey also found that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) or TTY: 1-800-487-4889 is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
