Higganum Pharmacy to accept unused drugs

HADDAM — Haddam resident state troopers, in conjunction with Healthy Communities, Healthy Kids Coalition, a program of H-K Youth & Family Services, will accept unwanted prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Higganum Pharmacy, 23 Killingworth Road.

The 14th such event in the last seven years, it is aimed at preventing pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, according to a news releases.

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches, according to the release. The service is free and anonymous and no questions will be asked.

In April, Americans turned in 900,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 5,500 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its state and local law enforcement partners, the release stated. Overall, in its 13 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in more than 8.1 million pounds of pills, according to the agency.

According to the release, this initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs, DEA officials say.

Studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Americans are advised their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — pose potential safety and health hazards, the release states.

File photo The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and participating law enforcement agencies coordinate a nationwide drug take-back day twice a year. The next drug take-back day is Saturday.