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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: April 12, 2018
Lance.wallace@comm.gatech.edu
Summary Sentence:
This year, Georgia Tech will be participating in Take Back day with a drop-off point located at the Georgia Tech Police Department.
Full Summary:
April 28, 2018, marks the 15th National Take Back Day, a day intended to provide a safe and convenient means of disposing of unneeded prescription drugs, while simultaneously educating the public about medication abuse.
DEA National Take Back DayApril 28, 2018, marks the 15th National Take Back Day, a day intended to provide a safe and convenient means of disposing of unneeded prescription drugs, while simultaneously educating the public about medication abuse. On the 14th Drug Take Back Day in October 2017, 5,321 drop-off locations collected a total of more than 456 tons of drugs. Nearly 4,300 law enforcement agencies participated in the event by hosting collection locations.
The opportunity to dispose of drugs in a responsible way has become increasingly important in recent years due to the rise of the opioid crisis. The 2015 National Survey of Drug Use and Health found that 6.4 million Americans abused prescription drugs. In addition, 21 to 29 percent of patients prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hopes to help combat these statistics by conducting Take Back days every six months.
This year, Georgia Tech will be participating in Take Back day with a drop-off point located at the Georgia Tech Police Department at the corner of Hemphill Avenue and Ferst Drive. "We are taking part this year because every campus has been affected by the opioid crisis, and more people misuse prescription drugs than any other substance, except for marijuana and alcohol," said GTPD Capt. Anthony Leonard. “Talking openly about the danger and removing these medications prevents prescription drug abuse, where it often starts.”
The collection will begin at 10 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. This method of disposal is more secure and environmentally responsible than flushing them down the toilet, where they end up in the water supply. For those who cannot make Take Back day, there is a drug take-back box in the lobby of the police station that is available 24/7 for people to drop off unused drugs. A similar container is also available at Stamps Health Services.
