Santa Fe, NM – This Saturday October 28th the New Mexico Office of the Attorney General will host the biannual DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at our Santa Fe Office. This is a drive-thru event where attendees can drop off unwanted tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs during this event, no questions asked.
For more than a decade, the event has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications—those that are old, unwanted, or expired—that too often become a gateway to addiction.
“This event is so important for our community as it serves as an opportunity for unwanted prescription medications to be removed from homes and also serves as a safeguard for the environment,” said AG Torrez. “Many times folks throw their unwanted medications down the toilet which contaminates our ground water and surface water. I encourage those in the Santa Fe area to stop by this event and help keep our community safe from opioids and other prescribed drugs.”
Take Back Day offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,500 local drop-off locations nationwide. Take Back Day has removed more than 8,650 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
What: National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
When: Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who: New Mexico Office of the Attorney General, AARP and the DEA
Where: 408 Galisteo Street, Villagra Building; Santa Fe, NM 87501
In conjunction with the DEA, AARP of New Mexico will also be present providing each attendee with AARP materials and swag.
“AARP New Mexico is proud to support the DEA’s Prescription Drug Take Back Day and Attorney General Torrez’s efforts to help New Mexicans dispose of unused prescription medications safely,” said Joseph Sanchez, AARP New Mexico State Director. “Too often unused or old medications pile up, especially with our older adults, in part because people don’t know how to dispose of them safely. This can also lead to taking the wrong or expired medication by mistake or having other household members using them incorrectly. AARP New Mexico will be at the event also sharing information on how New Mexicans can prevent fraud, avoiding scams and identify theft.”
Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
