More than a 100 residents took advantage of Mission Viejo’s National Take Back Day on Saturday, dropping off 165 pounds of unused or expired prescription medications for safe disposal by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).
Mission Viejo Police Services staff, volunteers and Sheriff’s Department Explorers and a DEA agent were on hand to collect bags and boxes of unwanted medications from a steady stream of grateful residents who drove through the Civic Center parking lot. A total of 193 boxes (4,567 pounds) of unused prescription medications were collected at locations throughout Orange County.
“The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public at these events speaks volumes about the need to develop a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs,” said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart.
With an ever-increasing abuse of prescription medications, it’s essential to take additional steps to safeguard family and others who might take advantage of the easy accessibility of the home medicine cabinet.
“This event was a great example of the community, the City and Mission Viejo Police Services working together to help reduce the amount of unneeded prescription drugs in our City and highlights the need for planning future collection dates,” said Lt. Chris Wilson, Chief of Mission Viejo Police Services.
