To support a nationwide effort to clear homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, Capital BlueCross is reminding residents to take advantage of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. Take-Back Day collection is free and anonymous.
"As a company that makes the health of the community a priority, Capital BlueCross is supporting Drug Take-Back Day by encouraging people to clear out their homes of expired or un-needed prescription drugs," said Dr. Jennifer Chambers, Capital BlueCross senior vice president and chief medical officer. "By taking advantage of this free and anonymous opportunity to dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer used for health reasons, consumers can help eliminate inappropriate use of prescription drugs and protect the safety of those in their household."
Pennsylvania residents can help curb prescription drug abuse and misuse by dropping off their unwanted or expired prescriptions at more than 335 locations across Pennsylvania on Saturday. A list of collection sites can be found by visiting www.dea.gov. Take-Back Day participants will also help protect their local agriculture and water supply, as all drugs collected at take-back sites will be disposed of properly by local law enforcement or DEA officials.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths from prescription drug overdoses has reached epidemic levels in the United States. The national take-back effort seeks to raise awareness and reduce prescription drug abuse in our local communities by offering individuals and families a trouble-free and environmentally friendly way to rid their homes of unwanted prescriptions. According to a recent report issued by the CDC, overdose deaths from prescription painkillers nearly quadrupled from 1999-2011.
Unfortunately, painkillers and other prescription medications are often found in home medicine cabinets, making it too easy for them to get into the wrong hands. According to new CDC data, about 9,500 U.S. children younger than six years old were hospitalized each year between 2007 and 2011 after ingesting a family member's medication. Prescriptions should be securely stored and properly disposed of when patients complete their dose or no longer require the medication.
Increased drug coverage restrictions in Medicare Part D raises concerns