Vital Stats: 41 Million; Total number of pounds of prescription drugs seized nationally by the DEA since starting a take-back program in 2010. (Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)

 By CATHARINA THUEMLING

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is slated for Sept. 27, where prescription meds can be dropped off at participating police stations throughout the Bronx from 10 a.m. to 2 p.mThese precincts include:

47th Precinct, 4111 Laconia Ave.

45th Precinct, 2877 Barkley Ave.

42nd Precinct, 830 Washington Ave.

50th Precinct 3450 Kingsbridge Ave.

48th Precinct, 450 Cross Bronx Expwy.

46th Precinct, 2120 Ryer Ave.

The nationwide event, overseen by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is intended to support disposing of expired or unneeded prescription medications. It also serves as teaching moment for the general public to understand the importance of being responsible with doctor prescribed medications.

According to Ellen Rudnick, MS, RPh, Director of Pharmacy Operations at Montefiore Medical Center, “Prescription medication abuse and misuse is a growing problem not just in our local area but across the U.S. Medications are accumulating in the home, cabinets and drawers,” said Rudnick. “They can fall into the wrong hands either purposely or accidentally.”

The program was first launched in September 2010 after President Obama signed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010. Since then, take-back events occur in the spring and fall. The need for a program like this is evident by the  readily increasing number of pills taken back each time. Since the event’s inception, happening nationally, the DEA hauled in a total of 4.1 million pounds of prescription medications. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6.8 million Americans abused prescription drugs in 2012. Most of the misuse is obtained by family or friends who pass along leftover medications.

More than 54 percent of people who abuse prescription pain relievers got them through friends or family. Some drug seekers are also known to rifle through trash to find their fix. Dropping off drugs is also done for environmental reasons. The public is encouraged not to dispose of meds down the sink, in the toilet or in the regular trash because of the potential harm to the environment, humans or animals.

This initiative is the only acceptable way of disposing prescription drugs, said Rudnick. “It’s safe from diversion, safe from accidental harm, and safe from causing harm to the environment.”