Media Advisory

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Friday, September 28, 2012

What:

Residents can dispose of unused and expired medications for free and with no questions asked at many local police stations on National Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Who:

Contra Costa Health Services’ Alcohol & Other Drug Services encourages all Contra Costa residents to participate in this community event.

When:

Saturday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various police stations throughout Contra Costa. For a complete list of locations near you visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Why:

Keeping unwanted prescription drugs around the house is dangerous for many reasons. More than seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs, and each day approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Also, improper disposal of pharmaceuticals is a public health and safety issue. Flushing and throwing away unused medications harms our water supply and the environment. Persistent disposal of pharmaceuticals in our water system may reach critical levels and eventually cause harm to humans and animals.

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