WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following a bipartisan push by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and eight of their colleagues, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has announced that it will reinstate Prescription Drug Take-Back Days, an initiative to encourage the responsible disposal of expired or unwanted prescription drugs.
In May, the Senators sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch calling for the reinstatement of this initiative after it was discontinued. In response, Peter J. Kadzik, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice, wrote, “Having considered your letter, DEA Acting Administrator Chuck Rosenberg announced on July 13, 2015, that DEA has decided to restart this successful initiative.” The DEA announced that the next Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be held on September 26, 2015.
“The safe and proper disposal of unwanted medications is critical to preventing prescription drugs from ending up in the wrong hands,” said Senator Capito. “Prescription Drug Take-Back Days have proven to be very successful in reducing the prescription drug supply and play a significant role in our broader effort to combat the drug crisis in West Virginia. I am pleased that the DEA heard our feedback and is reviving this worthwhile initiative.”
“Communities in West Virginia and across this nation are plagued by prescription drug abuse, and I am pleased that the DEA will reinstate Drug Take-Back Days,” Senator Manchin said. “This important program helps curb prescription drug abuse in West Virginia by providing opportunities to safely dispose of medications and has been enormously successful. I am confident that Drug Take-Back Days will again bring Americans together from all sides of this epidemic to work toward fighting against drug abuse and creating strong, drug-free communities.”
The May letter calling for the reinstatement of this program led by Senator Markey was also signed by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).