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For immediate release: April 4, 2011

Media Contacts: Reuben M. Gonzales, Police Department Public Information Officer, (623) 333-7214 -  rgonzales@avondale.org

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinets, Avondale Police Department is Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs

The Avondale Police Department, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),  has scheduled its second annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The Avondale Police Department will be safely and legally collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, medications and supplements for destruction on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Walgreens at 10710 W McDowell Rd in Avondale.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. In addition, there are environmental concerns about the impact of medications on the water supply and natural aquatic habitats. Medications should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown away in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

The following items do not qualify as items that can be handed in.  Please do not bring in: IV solutions, syringes, medical waste, glass containers, inhalers, injectable, and illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative.

If you have any questions please contact: Katrina Helm of the Avondale Police Department 623-333-7217 or khelm@avondale.org.