DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT - April 2019

Type of Incident: NATIONAL DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT 

Date and Time: 04/27/2019 from 10 am to 2 pm 

Narrative: The Maryland State Police – Eastern Shore Barracks – to include all counties on the Eastern Shore, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will be offering a free – no questions asked – drug turn in day. The focus is to provide a means for citizens to turn in unwanted prescription drugs. 

It is well known that addiction to prescription painkillers is a serious public safety issue. The majority of abusers get their first dose from a family member’s medicine cabinet. Thieves often look for such medications during break-ins, to use or to sell on the street. Leftover pills have been identified as a means to fuel the opioid epidemic. 

Recent studies published (June 2018) in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) recorded many young adults – aged 25 to 34 – have accounted for one in every five deaths. The statistics are staggering when stating all deaths attributable to opioids increased 292% between 2001 to 2016, resulting in nearly 5.2 deaths per 1000 population. 

The Maryland State Police Barracks and civilian partners (see attachment) on the Eastern Shore are working with the DEA to help reduce these numbers. On April 27, 2019, citizens are urged to come in and deposit their unwanted prescription pills. No liquids, needles, thermometers or biohazards materials are accepted. Help keep family members and others safe from addiction. 

How to find a disposal location near you? https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1