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Recognizing April 24, 2021 as the 20th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to provide a safe and effective option for the disposal of unwanted, unused, or expired controlled substances; and to minimize the incidence of drug abuse and fatal overdoses in the City due to non-medical prescription drugs found in the homes of family and friends.
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WHEREAS, In 2016, Philadelphia had the second highest drug overdose death rate out of all counties in the United States with over one million residents. This number is consistent with data from 1999, where Philadelphia had the highest drug overdose rate out of counties with over one million residents; and
WHEREAS, Since the pandemic began, fatal overdoses in Black Philadelphia residents increased by more than 50% from around 30 per month to 49. In comparison, fatal overdoses in white residents decreased from around 46 per month to 35; and
WHEREAS, The National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2020 revealed that "9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants, and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019"; and
WHEREAS, The use of non-medical prescription drugs is the second most common form of drug abuse in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Most abused controlled substances are found among family and friends. The safe disposal of dangerous controlled substances is important to prevent drug abuse, addiction, and overdose. Take-back programs are the safest way to dispose of drugs. Disposing of drugs in open waste bins allows for the possibility of them to be recovered and abused, while disposing of drugs down a toilet can contaminate the water; and
WHEREAS, On Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration will be running a prescription drug take-back initiative between 10:00am to 2:00pm to collect unused, expired, or unwanted controlled substances. The program will accept and properly dispose of contro...
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