For more than a decade, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has hosted a biannual event called National Prescription Drug Take Back Day that provides the public with the opportunity to easily and safely dispose of unneeded medications. Riverside Health, in partnership with local law enforcement and the DEA, is proud to announce it will host events each April and October, for the DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back program.
“We are proud to continue our two-year partnership with local law enforcement to provide these vital events in the communities we serve,” says Cindy Coffey, Pharm.D, Retail Pharmacy Director at Riverside. “By offering a safe and confidential way to dispose of unused medications, we’re helping reduce the potential for misuse and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.”
Since the early 1990s, the opioid overdose epidemic has been a growing concern across the country, involving both prescription and illicit opioids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that last year in the United States, approximately 101,751 people died as a result of drug poisoning. Of those deaths, 1,900 were reported in Virginia.
“As the opioid epidemic persists, we remain committed to improving the health, safety and wellness of our communities,” says Dr. Coffey. “Encouraging the safe disposal of unneeded medications is a crucial step in minimizing the risks of accidental misuse and overdose of these prescriptions.” Please see below for date and location information:
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Drive-thru event)
City of Williamsburg Municipal Building
401 Lafayette St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Drive-thru event)
Riverside Regional Medical Center – Medical Office Building
12200 Warwick Blvd, Newport News, VA 23601
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Drive-Thru event)
Riverside Primary Care Mercury West
3401 W. Mercury Boulevard, Hampton VA 23666
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Drive-Thru event)
Wal-Mart Pharmacy — Outside the doors located near the pharmacy
6819 Walton Lane, Gloucester VA 23061
Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Drive-Thru event)
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital
20486 Market St, Onancock, VA 23417
At the events, local law enforcement and the DEA will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted.