On Saturday, San Joaquin County Sheriff's deputies provided security at Lincoln Center as University of the Pacific Pharmacy School students managed the DEA's National Drug Take Back Day in Stockton.
The county's Public Health Services, Opioid Safety Coalition, sheriff's department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offered multiple drop-off locations for the public to anonymously dispose of old and unwanted drugs, protecting the environment and preventing theft and prescription drug abuse.
According to the press release, pet medications, liquid medicines in their original containers, and vaping devices without batteries were also accepted. Pacific pharmacy students supervised the collection site in front of Code 3 in Lincoln Center, providing information about the event and year-round disposal options for medical sharps and medications.
The majority of drugs collected on Saturday were over-the-counter vitamins and medicines. Participants quickly dropped off their medications without providing any identifying information. The event, which occurs twice a year, helps prevent medications from ending up in regular garbage and contaminating the environment with chemicals.
San Joaquin County collected 400 pounds of unwanted and unused medications during the October 2022 event. For information on disposing of medications and sharp medical devices, visit www.SJCrecycle.org.
Check out the full article on the Stocktonia.