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Most Recent Take Back Day: Alabamians Disposed of 4,105 pounds of medications

Special to the Advance

The Medical Association of the State of Alabama is once again encouraging residents to safely dispose of expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications on Sat., October 26 during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The Drug Take Back Day location in Atmore is the Poarch Creek Tribal Police Department, which is located at 444 Lynn McGhee Dr.

Held in April and October each year, this national effort is aimed at reducing the risk of prescription drug misuse, accidental poisoning, and overdose.

During the most recent Take Back Day in April, Alabamians safely disposed of 4,105 pounds of medications. The upcoming Take Back Day October 26 offers another chance to ensure potentially harmful medications don’t fall into the wrong hands.

“Safely disposing of old or unneeded prescription drugs can prevent a gateway to addiction or an overdose,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, President of the Medical Association. “Participating in Take Back Day is a simple yet important step we can all take to help protect our loved ones and communities from the dangers of substance abuse.”

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, and other forms of prescription medications at participating police departments, pharmacies and other locations across Alabama on October 26. The initiative helps to keep communities safe by providing a safe, convenient and responsible way to dispose of medications.

Collection sites will not accept syringes or illicit drugs. Liquid medications, such as cough syrup, must remain sealed in their original containers with caps tightly secured to prevent leakage.

In 2023, Alabama experienced 9,313 overdose-related incidents, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Emergency Medical Services database.