Attorney General urges Oklahomans to observe National Takeback Day

OKLAHOMA CITY – Attorney General Mike Hunter urges Oklahomans to clear their homes of unused or expired medication by taking them to designated collection sites throughout the state on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Takeback Day on Saturday, Oct. 28.

Individuals can access the 30 DEA disposal sites across the state from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In the Ponca City area, disposal sites are located at the BIA Police  Department at 123 White Eagle Drive south of Ponca City; Fort Oakland Police Department at 1 Rush Buffalo Road in Tonkawa, or the Ponca City Police Department at 200 East Oklahoma Street in Ponca City.

National Prescription Drug Takeback Day is a national effort that occurs twice a year. The effort aims to provide individuals with a safe and easy way to dispose of unused or expired medicine.

Hunter, who is leading the state’s battle to combat the opioid epidemic, said getting rid of unused medications prevents others from accessing them, in turn averting potential drug addiction or overdose deaths.

“There are horrible unintended consequences associated with keeping unused prescription drugs in the home,”  Hunter said. “Four out of five new heroin users started with prescription painkillers. Studies have shown a majority of abused prescription drugs start from the user obtaining them from family members, friends or the medicine cabinet.

“Takeback Day is a simple, vital step individuals can take on their own to help address this public health crisis. We must do everything we can to protect our families and loved ones.”

On Thursday, Hunter hosted the third meeting of the Oklahoma Commission on Opioid Abuse. At the meeting, DEA Agent John Kushnir and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director John Scully talked about the Takeback Day initiative and said the drop off locations are easy, convenient and free.

“You drive up, walk to the box, put your medication inside and drive away, no questions asked,” Kushnir said.  “There are no forms to fill out, no one will ask for a name or identification.”

OBN statistics on drop box collections

• In 2016, 29,852 pounds (14.93 tons) of drugs were destroyed;
• Since January, 21,737 pounds (10.87 tons) of drugs have been destroyed;
• Since the program began in 2011, 151,318 pounds (75.66 tons) of drugs have been destroyed.