Hernandez Promotes Local Drug Take Back Sites, Addresses Opioid Epidemic

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez is encouraging residents of her district to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, this Saturday, Oct. 26, by dropping off old or expired prescription drugs to local collection locations.

“Prescription drugs can be extremely dangerous, addictive and potentially life-threatening if they are in the wrong hands,” said Hernandez. “It is not uncommon for families to have old prescription drugs in their medicine cabinets, and it is imperative that these drugs are properly disposed of if they are not in use.”

The National Drug Enforcement Agency is addressing the prescription drug addiction problem in the country by facilitating thousands of take-back sites in communities for residents, free of charge, to securely dispose of old drugs and unused medications. According to a 2018 national study on drug use and health, 9.9 million Americans misused prescription drugs, many of which were obtained from friends or family members’ home medicine cabinets. Kane County has several options for residents to safely dispose of prescription drugs; more information on those locations can be found at https://takebackday.dea.gov/.

“We must continue to work towards fighting the opioid epidemic and drug addiction problems in our communities,” said Hernandez. “One simple way of protecting ourselves and our families is by disposing of our old, unused prescriptions, and ensure that our family members and friends do the same.”