Wilmington VA Has Highest Drug Take Back in Eastern Market
Wilmington VA Medical Center Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) helped safely dispose of over 170 pounds of medication during their participation in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug take-back event held at the Wilmington VA Medical Center on Oct. 28, 2023.
Drug take backs give the public an opportunity to prevent drug abuse and theft by ridding homes of their expired, unused, or unwanted prescriptions drugs such as pills, or patches. Sites cannot take back liquids, needles, inhalers, illegal drugs, medical supplies, or hazardous or flammable substances. This service is free with no questions asked.
On average the Wilmington VA Medical Center receives 128 pounds of take-back medications per event. This time the turnout of 170 pounds of medication being dropped off at the Wilmington VA was the highest volume of take back in the VA Eastern market, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, southern New Jersey, and Ohio.
“It takes away the potential of that medicine ending up in the wrong hands and adding to the addiction problem,” said Wilmington VA acting Chief of Police, David Stroup. “This event provided the community with a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unwanted prescription medication.”
For Veterans who were unable to leave their vehicles Wilmington VA police assisted with road-side service to allow for a safe and convenient tack-back of medications.
October’s event was the 25th National take-back Day for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Anyone can drop-off unwanted medication year-round at the Wilmington VA Medical Center’s drop-off box located inside the Emergency entrance next to VA police dispatch.