DES MOINES, IOWA (October 23, 2019) — Governor Kim Reynolds highlighted the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at the West Des Moines Police Department’s drug take-back site. Prescription Drug Take Back Day — which will be officially recognized on Saturday, October 26 this year — is a partnership across several state agencies, local law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations.
Watch the remarks on Facebook here.
“Prescription drug abuse is something that often starts at home,” said Gov Reynolds. “Over half of those who misuse or abuse prescription medications say they got the drugs from family or friends, often right out of the medicine cabinet. Misuse and abuse are often the first steps towards addiction and overdose. That’s why Prescription Drug Take Back programs are so important.”
"Prescription Drug Take Back is a force-multiplier that empowers thousands of Iowans to help one another, by properly disposing of leftover medication," said Dale Woolery, Director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy. "Iowans participating in Take Back make a big difference, contributing to the safe removal and destruction of several tons of potentially harmful drugs every year."
While 137 lives lost to opioid-related overdose-deaths last year is double the number from 20 years ago, progress is being made. The Iowa Department of Public Health reported a 33% drop in the last year. Additionally, roughly a quarter of a billion doses of controlled prescription-drugs were dispensed in Iowa last year, the lowest level in 6 years.
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a critical public safety and public health issue. According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. Take Back Day provides an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addictions and overdose deaths.
“This program’s early success indicates the progress made in the fight to reduce prescription drug misuse and abuse,” Gov Reynolds continued. “It’s an example of the seamless coordination and collaboration that exists between organizations and individuals in the community forging public-private partnerships with law enforcement, the DEA, and several state agencies.”
Reynolds was joined by Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Director Dale Woolery, Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, and Chris Scott, West Des Moines Chief of Police.
