It’s time to inspect the medicine cabinet and dispose of potentially dangerous controlled substances by bringing them to the National Take Back Day drug collection event on Saturday, October 26. The Allentown Health Bureau and the Allentown Police Department, working in partnership with the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, will participate in the 7th National Take Back Day at two locations: Giant Supermarket at 3015 W. Emmaus Ave. and Walgreens Pharmacy at 1702 Tilghman Street both from 10am to 2pm.

Expired, unused and unwanted medications, liquid products, creams in containers and pet medications will be accepted. Syringes with needles and other sharps will not be accepted. This service is free; no identification is necessary and no questions will be asked.

“Deaths and hospitalizations related to prescription drugs are rising across the region as well as in Pennsylvania and the United States,” said Vicky Kistler, Director of the Allentown Health Bureau. “Drug poisoning is the cause of more than 90 percent of all poisoning deaths in Pennsylvania. You can help prevent medication errors and accidental overdoses by cleaning out your medicine cabinets of unneeded medication.”

Drug Take Backs address a vital public safety and public health issue. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including those found in the home medicine cabinet. In addition, citizens are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – both pose potential safety and health hazards.

“Drug Take Backs are an effective way to save lives. They’re also a great opportunity to dispose of unneeded medication in an environmentally safe manner,” said Kistler.
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