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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28, 2018

Maryland Communities Hosting Collections from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

April 27, 2018

ANNAPOLIS, MD — National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28, 2018. Aimed at providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, Drug Take Back Day is also for educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.

“On Saturday, all across our state, communities will be hosting Drug Take Back Day collections,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I urge Marylanders to take some time, clean out their medicine cabinets, and drop off their old and unused prescriptions.”

To find out where to drop off old and unused medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 28, visit http://beforeitstoolate.maryland.gov/2018-national-drug-take-back-day-events/.

“Often, we don’t know how risky it is to keep unused prescription drugs,” said Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. “It’s also important to remember not to share medication – what works for you could be dangerous for others.”

“National Drug Take Back Day reminds us of the importance of safely disposing our unused medications,” says Clay Stamp, executive director, Opioid Operational Command Center. “We’re working hard every day to encourage responsible prescribing, proper disposal, and to ensure that Marylanders understand the effects of taking these medications.”

Maryland State Police barracks also will be participating on Saturday. During the last Drug Take Back Day in October 2017, Maryland State Police collected 2,551 pounds of drugs. All police agencies in Maryland collected a total of 15,069 pounds of drugs that day.

Additionally, since June 2017, all Maryland State Police barracks have been 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week drop-off locations for old and unused medications. They are equipped with secure drug collection boxes, located in the front lobby of each barrack, that are easily accessible and are in view of the barrack duty officer. For a list of barracks and locations, visit http://mdsp.maryland.gov/Organization/Pages/FieldOperationsBureau/allbarracks.aspx.

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic—and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Marylanders grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org and 1-800-422-0009, the 24/7 State Crisis Hotline.

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