Prescription Drug Take Back Day: Collection Site In E Palo Alto

EAST PALO ALTO, CA — Law enforcement across the country are participating in “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, Oct. 26, offering to collect anyone’s expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs — anonymously and for free.

Police near East Palo Alto are participating in the event, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which aims to prevent prescription drug abuse by giving people a chance to dispose of potentially dangerous drugs with no questions asked.

The closest collection site to East Palo Alto will be at the Menlo Park Veteran's Affairs campus police station, 795 Willow Rd in Menlo Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Each collection site will also allow for the disposal of e-cigarettes and vape pens (with batteries removed), to help combat the nationwide vaping health crisis.

Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are increasing, according to the DEA, and studies show that most abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. Many people don't know how to properly dispose of their unused medications, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away — both of which present safety hazards.

More information about the National Take Back Initiative can be found at the DEA website.