Don’t share; safely dispose of Rx on Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Posted: 10/22/2019

Parkland to provide sites for proper disposal of medications

Got drugs? Parkland Health & Hospital System and the Dallas County Hospital District Police Department (DCHDPD) are working together to make it easy for you to safely dispose of expired or unused prescription medications.

According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet. That is why for the second time this year, Parkland is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this week.

“The event gives the public a chance to get rid of unwanted medications at secure, no-questions-asked disposal sites,” said DCHD Police Officer Samuel Barker. “By doing so you are helping prevent drug addiction and possible overdose deaths in Dallas County.”

Medications can be dropped off at the following Parkland locations on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at:

• Garland Health Center, 802 Hopkins St., Garland 75231
• Ron J. Anderson, MD Clinic, 5184 Tex Oak, Dallas 75235

During the last Prescription Drug Take Back Day in April, 132 pounds of medications were collected at two Parkland drop-off sites and 937,443 pounds of medications were collected nationwide.

In addition to disposing of medications properly, experts say you can also help prevent prescription drug misuse by counting and tracking your medications and by talking to your kids about the dangers of prescription and over-the-counter drugs when they are not used as prescribed.

“It’s also helpful to store your medication in a safe place. Somewhere children, teens and even visitors will not have access to,” said Officer Barker. “During the event individuals can drive into the parking lot and hand the medications to a law enforcement officer, no questions asked. No intravenous materials such as solutions, tubing or syringes will be accepted at the event.”

For more information about the proper way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications, contact the poison experts at the North Texas Poison Center, 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.poisoncontrol.org

To learn more about Parkland services, visit www.parklandhospital.com