The Drug Enforcement Administration and nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
NEW ORLEANS — In the ongoing fight to keep drugs off America’s streets, law enforcement in Louisiana and across the United States are hosting a public event where old or expired prescription drugs can be safely turned in to authorities.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and nearly 4,000 law enforcement partners across the United States will host the 29th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The nationwide event encourages people to safely and anonymously dispose of unused, expired, or unnecessary prescription medications at collection sites. The goal is to help prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce accidental overdoses and poisonings.
Here is a list of collection sites in the New Orleans region.
Gretna Police Department: 200 5th St, Gretna, LA 70053DEA New Orleans Field Office: 2215 Cleary Ave, Metairie, LA 70001Harrahan Police Department: 7335 Jefferson Hwy Suite 300A, Harahan, LA 70123Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office at Majoria Drugs: 1805 Metairie Rd, Metairie, LA 70005St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office at Walgreens: 100 W Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, LA 70043DEA New Orleans at Metairie USPS Post Office: 3301 17th St, Metairie, LA 70002Southern University at New Orleans: 6400 Press Dr, New Orleans, LA 70126St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office: 260 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway, Luling, LA 70070Louisiana State Police Troop B: 2101 I- 10 Service Rd, Kenner, LA 70065St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office Vacherie Courthouse: 2631 LA-20, Vacherie, LA 70090St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office Convent Courthouse: 5800 LA-44, Convent, LA 70723
People can find their nearest Take Back Day collection site by visiting the DEA’s official website.
“Prescription drugs may be legal, but they are still powerful – and can present significant risk to those in your household,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Join in the DEA’s National Take Back Day to lessen community risk from drug abuse and keep Americans safe!”
“DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects our shared commitment to protecting the American people from drug-related harm,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole. “This effort brings together law enforcement, public health, and communities in a unified mission – keeping homes safe, preventing the misuse of prescription drugs before it starts, and saving lives. Every prescription drug turned in represents one less opportunity for tragedy and one more act of protection for our families and neighborhoods.”
Since 2010, Take Back Day has collected about 20 million pounds of unused medications nationwide.
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