Bucks County residents who have unused or old prescriptions will have the opportunity to safely dispose of them this Saturday as part of a national initiative devised to help reduce substance abuse and protect the environment.
The U.S Drug Enforcement Administrations National Prescription Drug -Take Back Day drive , April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, will take place at 48 sites throughout the county.
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In Bucks County, the initiative is coordinated by Bucks Promises for Youth and Communities (BPYC).
“This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs. Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused drugs are obtained from and friends, including the home medicine cabinet,” according to a statement from BPYC.
In addition, the proper disposal of medications helps keep the water supply clean.
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Kathy Kraeck, community mobilizer for Pennsbury LYFT, a program of the United Way of Bucks County, said : “The Take Back Days are a wonderful, free opportunity for the public to dispose of unwanted and unneeded medications, keep them from being abused by teens and others, and keep them out of the water supply. Since the semi-annual medication Take Back Days began in 2010, Bucks County has collected over 8 tons of medications, more than any other county in Pennsylvania. We are very pleased to announce that there will be a permanent drop box at the Tullytown Borough police station, 500 Main St., in Tullytown, open to all from 10 am to 4 pm, Mon. – Fri. This is a great service; many people have asked for a permanent drop box. We hope this is the trend – that there will be more permanent drop boxes across the county and the nation. This brings the total in Bucks County to 26. I would also like to congratulate Yardley Borough for tying in the Take Back Day to their Recycling Day, and involving area businesses in the event.”
Residents can go to any one of the 48 locations in the county, no questions asked and drop off their medications to local police department sites where an officer and volunteers will be available.
- Bristol Borough Municipal Building, 250 Pond Street, Bristol
- Bristol Township Building, 2501 Bath Road, Bristol
- Bucks County Free Library, 7311 New Falls Rd., Levittown
- Falls Township Police Department, 188 Lincoln Highway, Fairless Hills
- Grundy Gardens, 430 South Olds Blvd., Fairless Hills
- Langhorne Borough Hall, 114 East Maple Avenue, Langhorne
- Giant, 4001 New Falls Road, Middletown
- Target, 2331, East Lincoln Highway, Middletown
- Penndel Police Department, 300 South Bellview Avenue, Penndel
- Tullytown Police Department, 500 Main Street, Tullytown
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Click here for a full list of Drug -Take Back Day sites in Bucks County.
The event is free and completely anonymous.
