WASHINGTON, D.C. —Today, U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Rob Portman (R-OH) announced more than 250 sites where Ohioans can safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs on “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in an effort to provide safe, convenient and responsible means for disposal of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse and medications.

“Addiction isn’t an individual problem or a character flaw, it’s a disease – a disease that all too often starts in the family medicine cabinet,” said Brown. “That’s why this DEA-sponsored Drug Take Back Day is so important in Ohio. All prescription medications—especially addictive opioid painkillers—should be disposed of safely to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”

“Four out of five people addicted to opioids start out using prescription drugs. That’s why it’s so important to safely dispose of all unnecessary prescription medications,” said Portman. “I’m pleased that so many communities in our state are participating in this event and I urge all Ohioans to clean out their medicine cabinets and take advantage of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Together, we can help turn the tide of addiction and ensure that every Ohioan reaches their God-given potential.”

In April, Brown and Portman spoke jointly about their efforts to combat Ohio’s opioid epidemic. Brown has introduced the INTERDICT Act, legislation that would provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional hi-tech screening equipment and lab resources to detect fentanyl before it enters the U.S. The INTERDICT Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives this week and is up for full passage by the Senate. Portman has introduced the Synthetics Trafficking & Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, legislation designed to help stop dangerous synthetic drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from being shipped through our borders to drug traffickers here in the United States. Both bills work together to help block deadly synthetic opioids from reaching Ohio communities and are supported by both Senators.

Ohioans can look up the drug take back site closest to them here.

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