New College of Florida Participates in Second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

New College of Florida will be participating in the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10 am – 2 pm. During that time, members of the Sarasota and Bradenton communities are encouraged to drop off potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at the New College Police Station, where officers will safely dispose of them. Participation in the program is completely anonymous.

The National Take Back Initiative was started by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States to address a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The home medicine cabinet is a potential source for prescription drug misuse and abuse. Many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, both possible safety and environmental hazards.

New College participated in the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Last year’s effort was a huge success, with approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies participating and more than 121 tons of pills turned in by the public. This year’s event is a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs.

The New College Police Station is located at 501 College Drive, just one block north of University Parkway on U.S. 41. The public should park in the Heiser Natural Sciences parking lot opposite the police station. For questions, please contact Lt. Mike Kessie at 941-487-4210 or mkessie@ncf.edu.