TULSA, OK – [April 24, 2014] – Americans are encouraged to empty medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 26.
Locally, the Tulsa Health Department-led Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) has partnered with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD) to host a Prescription Take-Back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day in the Walgreens parking lot at 5115 S. Peoria Ave in Tulsa. Prescription Drug Take-Back aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. 92.9 BOB FM will be broadcasting live from the event with prizes and giveaways.
“Tulsa County ranked #18 out of all counties in the U.S. for prescription painkiller deaths,” said Marianne Long, Regional Prevention Coordinator. “In the City of Tulsa alone in 2012, over 222,400 prescriptions for Schedule II drugs were filled, an increase of over 4% from 2011. These drugs have the highest potential for abuse and physical/psychological dependence. It is important to dispose of these drugs in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”
This service is free and anonymous. Unused and expired medications brought to the Take-Back event will be transported by the OBNDD to Covanta Energy in west Tulsa for safe disposal. No syringes, inhalers or liquids will be accepted.
Permanent prescription drug drop-off sites are available year-round at all Tulsa police stations and at the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Visit capsat.org for a complete list of all drop-off sites available in Tulsa.
CAPSAT brings together diverse organization, stakeholders and individuals to advocate for changes in policies, systems and environments for the prevention of substance abuse. Community partners for Tulsa’s Prescription Drug Take-Back include the Tulsa Health Department’s Regional Prevention Coordinator program, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, OSU Medical Center, Walgreens, Oklahoma Poison Control, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Palmer Continuum of Care, Inc., City of Tulsa Water & Sewer Department and Tulsa County Medical Society.
Other local Prescription Take-Back events will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Reasor’s at 7114 S. Sheridan Rd.
Reasor’s at 11005 E. 41st St.
Save-A-Lot at 1526 N. Lewis Ave.
Click here for more information about the Tulsa Health Department’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs.
