National Rx Take Back Day

It’s been proven physical therapy is a safer alternative to addictive opioid medication for pain management (watch Dean’s story and how he chose PT over taking medication). However, it’s also well documented the devastating effects of controlled prescription drugs when they’re misused or abused. Initiatives have been in place to address the epidemic, but it’s going to be a slow, uphill battle. One of those initiatives to help combat this issue is the DEA’s (Drug Enforcement Agency) National Rx Take Back Day, a twice a year event.

April 27th, 2019, will be the next National Rx Take Back Day. It provides an opportunity for people to safely and anonymously dispose of any unwanted, expired, or unused prescription medication. Since its inception, the event has been a success. At its last event in October 2018, a total of 914,236 lbs (457.12 tons) of prescription medicine were collected at the 5,839 participating collection sites. While this isn’t the end-all-and-be-all solution to this crisis, it is certainly a step in the right direction.

If you (or someone you know) have unused, expired or unwanted prescriptions and want to learn more about this event, follow this link to the Takebackday website for more information, results from previous events, collection sites, and engaging PSAs.