TULSA, OK – [April 23, 2013] – 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 27.
Locally, the Tulsa Health Department-led Coalition Against Prescription and Substance Abuse of Tulsa (CAPSAT) has partnered with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) to host a Prescription Drug Take-Back event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day in the Reasor’s parking lot at 4909 E. 41 St. in Tulsa. Prescription Drug Take-Back Day 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.
“Oklahoma has the dubious reputation of ranking number one in the nation for prescription drug abuse, and Tulsa is number one within the state. 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” said Marianne Long, Regional Prevention Coordinator. “It is important to dispose of these drugs in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”
Unused and expired medications brought to the Take-Back event will be transported by the OBN 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.
CAPSAT brings together diverse organizations/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 Day include the Tulsa Health Department, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, OSU Medical Center, Reasor’s, Tulsa Police Department, Oklahoma Poison Control, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and Palmer Continuum of Care, Inc.
Other local Prescription Take-Back events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following locations:
Reasor’s at 7114 S. Sheridan
Reasor’s at 11005 E. 41st St.
Save-A-Lot at 1526 N. Lewis Ave.
For more information about the Tulsa Health Department’s drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs click here.
