HUNTERDON: Unused prescription drugs Take-Back Day Saturday

Event set April 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at certain locations

   In a continuing effort to help residents keep their homes and families safe from unused prescription drugs, the Safe Communities Coalition of Hunterdon and Somerset County, in partnership with law enforcement, and the Prosecutors and Sheriffs offices, are urging residents to participate in the DEA National Take-Back Day on April 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
   This initiative addresses a vital public safety and health issue. Prescription drugs that languish in home medicine cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. According to DEA statistics, Rx drug abuse (6.8 million Americans) is alarmingly high. Studies have also shown that the majority of Rx drugs are obtained from family and friends, and most notably, home medicine cabinets.
   In a 2012 focus group of teens from Hunterdon/Somerset counties, nearly half (47 percent) reported that abusing Rx drugs was mainly for fun. A September 2012 narcotics focus group revealed that the majority of teens (66 percent) reported that Rx drugs are obtained from friends and family medicine cabinets. Research has also indicated that the majority of young adults who are heroin users started their substance abuse with prescription drugs.
   Hunterdon County sites include: Hunterdon County Justice Center, 65 Park Ave., Flemington (a permanent take-back location); and Lambertville Police Department, 349 N. Main St., Lambertville, 397-3132.
   Note that liquids and syringes are not accepted at these locations.
   To find out if there is a take-back location closer to your home, visit the DEA website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/. In the event you miss the National Take-Back Day, note the location that is a permanent collection site.
   For more information on the Safe Communities Coalition, visit: www.safecoalition.org. For more information on Hunterdon Prevention Resources, visit: www.hunterdonprevention.com. For confidential help or for services or programs, contact us at 908-782-3909.