The New College of Florida Police Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be participating in a nationwide prescription drug take-back day on Saturday, September 25 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Campus Police Station. During that time, the officers will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction. The program is completely anonymous – no questions asked.
“This important national initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue,” says Lt. Mike Kessie of the New College of Florida Police Department. “Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. In addition, many individuals do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, both of which are potential safety and health hazards. As a leader in environmental education, New College is committed to the health of our waterways, which is an important reason why the College elected to participate as a collection agency.”
The Campus Police Station is located at 501 College Drive, one stoplight north of the intersection of U.S. 41 and University Parkway in Sarasota. The public should park in the Heiser Natural Sciences parking lot opposite the police station. For questions or directions, please contact Lt. Mike Kessie at 941-487-4210 or by email at [email protected].
The nationwide effort is being coordinated with state and local law enforcement by the DEA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.