*Published:* 10.22.2019 *Contact:* Cara Cruz Assistant Public Information Officer Public Safety 412-255-8615 cara.cruz@pittsburghpa.gov National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 26, 2019 PITTSBURGH, PA, (October 22, 2019) – Communities around the country and across the Commonwealth continue to struggle with escalating drug addiction, some of which begins with easily-accessible prescription drugs. In fact, nearly 10 million Americans have misused controlled prescription drugs, according to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. That’s an increase of nearly 4 million from the previous year’s survey. *From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 26*, Pittsburgh will have the opportunity, for the second time this year, to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 18th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in an effort to diminish devastating drug abuse in our communities. In April, nearly 420 pounds of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs were collected for safe disposal at all six Pittsburgh Police zone stations, Police Headquarters, and the Phillips Rec Center in Carrick. Nationally, nearly 5,000 law enforcement partners participated in the April initiative, collecting close to 470 tons of unused or unwanted prescription drugs. "By dropping off unneeded pill bottles and prescription drugs for safe disposal you're ensuring that those drugs, which may seem harmless when used for their intended purpose, don't fall into the wrong hands," said Sergeant Rebecca Bassano, Pittsburgh Police Narcotics and Vice . This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines forgotten or left behind in the home are highly susceptible to misuse and abuse. Studies show that the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are advised that disposing of unused medicines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, poses potential safety and health hazards. All expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs can be dropped off at the following locations this Saturday: Zone 1: 1501 Brighton Rd, 15212 Zone 2: 2000 Centre Ave, 15219 Zone 3: 830 E Warrington Ave, 15210 Zone 4: 5858 Northumberland St, 15217 Zone 5: 1401 Washington Blvd, 15206 Zone 6: 312 South Main St, 15220 Phillips Rec Center: 201 Parkfield St, 15210 Police Headquarters: 1203 Western Ave, 15233 For those who can’t participate this weekend, permanent drop-off boxes are located at Pittsburgh Police Headquarters and Zone 6. For more information about the safe disposal of prescription drugs or about the October 26th Take Back Day event, visit www.DEATakeBack.com. ------------------------------ . LaptopCupGreenMarker