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October 27, 2018Catholic Charities Partners with the Department of Health and Human Services to combat the Opioid Epidemic
The US Department of Health and Human Services Regional Officials joined local officials, and representatives from law enforcement, at Catholic Charities, Straight and Narrow to announce National Prescription Drug Take Back Day locations in New Jersey in advance of Take-Back day on Saturday October 27th.
On that day, 4,000 police stations, community centers, and other locations across the United States, hosted “no questions asked” drop off boxes, where unused painkillers can be safely discarded. Speaking at Straight and Narrow, officials noted the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of prevention.
“Almost everyone has access to dangerously addictive opioids lying in wait in medicine cabinets, and all it takes is one pill to start the spiral of addiction,” said Dennis Gonzalez, HHS Executive Officer. “Combating this deadly epidemic is a top priority of the Administration - prevention is the best way to start, and everyone can do their part on Prescription Drug Take Back Day."
“Millions of Americans misuse prescription drugs, which they often can access from a friend or family’s medicine cabinet,” said Angelo Valente, Partnership for a Drug Free NJ Executive Director. “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day provides communities an important opportunity to prevent prescription drug misuse by disposing of unused or expired medicines in a safe and responsible way.”
"We are proud of Straight and Narrow, who provides help and creates hope for hundreds of people each day, throughout the Diocese of Paterson and beyond. The opioid crisis is one that affects every community throughout New Jersey. We were honored to host the Drug Take Back Press Conference to spread awareness about how everyone can take small steps in their own communities, to make a big difference," said Scott Milliken, Catholic Charities Chief Executive Officer.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began hosting National Prescription Drug Take-Back events in 2010. At the last Take-Back Day in April 2018 over 5,800 sites across the nation collected unwanted or expired medications totaling almost 1 million pounds. This is the largest amount collected since the program began in 2010. The total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 is 9,964,714 pounds.
To find a collection site, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/.
