Release date: 4/23/2019
(RALEIGH) Attorney General Josh Stein today reminded North Carolinians that this Saturday, April 27, is National Drug Take Back Day. On Saturday, North Carolinians can safely dispose of unneeded medication at locations around the state to make sure they don’t get into the wrong hands. For more information, or to find a drop box location near you, visit https://www.morepowerfulnc.org/get-involved/pill-disposal/
“Unfortunately, prescription drugs are like a magnet to people struggling with addiction or young people looking to mess around,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “Extra, unneeded prescriptions are helping to fuel the opioid epidemic. But there is one thing each one of us can do to make a difference and keep people safe in our communities: safely dispose of unneeded medication and lock up any other prescriptions to ensure they will not get in the wrong hands.”
Every day, approximately five North Carolinians die from an opioid overdose. The majority of people who misuse prescriptions drugs report getting the drugs from family and friends—often taken from their medicine cabinets without their knowing. In 2016, 705 million opioid pills were prescribed in North Carolina, many of which sit unused in medicine cabinets.
Contact:
Laura Brewer (919) 716-6484
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