April 16, 2012—New College of Florida will be participating in the third National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 28, 2012, from 10 am – 2 pm. During that time, members of the Sarasota and Bradenton communities are encouraged to drop off potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs at the New College Police Station, where officers will safely dispose of them. Participation in the program is completely anonymous.
The National Take-Back Initiative was started by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States to address a vital public safety and public health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The home medicine cabinet is a potential source for prescription drug misuse and abuse. Many people do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, both possible safety and environmental hazards.
The New College Police Station is located at 501 College Drive, just one block north of University Parkway on U.S. 41. The public should park in the Heiser Natural Sciences parking lot opposite the police station. For questions, please contact Lt. Mike Kessie at 941-487-4210 or [email protected]