Friday, October 25, 2013

Prescription Drug Drop-Off Collection Set For Saturday

Posted on Fri, Oct 25, 2013 at 3:00 PM

By Aaron Granillo
Cronkite News Service
Originally published: Oct 25, 2013 - 8:46 am

PHOENIX — Arizona residents are encouraged to drop off their expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs at sites across the state on Saturday.

It's a part of national campaign sponsored by the DEA to curb prescription drug abuse. Many health officials call the issue an epidemic.

"In fact, more people in Arizona die from opiate overdoses than car accidents," said Will Humble, director of the Arizona Department of Health.

The 2011 National Survey on Drug Abuse and Health showed more Americans abuse prescription drugs than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined.

Police and fire departments are among the dozens of entities participating in the statewide event. Click here to find local collection sites.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day runs Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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