POTTSTOWN PA – Seven different law enforcement agencies covering municipalities within a 20-mile radius of Pottstown PA are participating today (Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the “National Take-Back Initiative,” during which anyone can drop off unused or unwanted prescription medicines at designated police stations and other sites.
Police departments throughout the area are urging public participation. The service is free, and anonymity is assured. Visitors will not be asked to identify themselves, what the drugs are, where they came from, or how they were obtained. The initiative’s immediate concern is to keep the medicines away from potential abusers.
Abuse of drugs legally prescribed for others poses “an unacceptable risk to public health and safety,” the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agrees. “Rates of prescription drug abuse … are increasing at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show a majority … are obtained from family and friends,” it reported last month.
Joining in the initiative by operating drop-off sites at the following locations, are the:
- Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department, 2199 Buchert Rd., Pottstown PA;
- New Hanover Township Police Department, Municipal Building, 2943 N. Charlotte St., Gilbertsville PA;
- Pennsylvania State Police, Skippack Barracks, 2047-C Bridge Rd., Schwenksville PA;
- Limerick Township Police Department, Manderach Park, 50 Ziegler Rd., Royersford PA;
- Lower Frederick Township Police, Municipal Building, 53 Spring Mount Rd., Zieglerville PA;
- Phoenixville Police Department, Borough Hall, 140 Church St., Phoenixville PA; and
- Upper Providence Township Police, Department Headquarters, 1286 Black Rock Rd., Oaks PA.
To find other collection sites by zip code or municipality searches, check here.
Prescription and over-the-counter, solid dosage medications such as tablets and capsules will be accepted, but not intra-venous solutions, injectables, or needles. Also, illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamines are not a part of the initiative. Materials collected by the departments will be destroyed under controlled and secure conditions, the DEA said.
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