Earlier this afternoon, I posted an article announcing the Huntley Police Department’s providing a drop off point for the DEA’s “National Take-Back Day”.

Now, a press release has been received from the Crystal Lake Police Department giving details for its collection. It has a bit more detail, so I shall share it with you.

On September 25, 2010, the Crystal Lake Police Department in conjunction with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will coordinate a one-day collaborative effort to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s homes.  The “National Take-Back” initiative will provide a unified opportunity for the public to surrender pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications to law enforcement officers for destruction.

The 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates there are 6.2 million current non-medical users of psychotherapeutic drugs in the United States.

The NSDUH survey further indicates there are more Americans abusing psychotherapeutics than the number of cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogen abusers combined.

Expired, unused, or unwanted controlled substances in our homes are a potential source of supply that fuel this abuse and are an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

Also most people tend to dispose of these medications by discarding them into the trash or down the drain.

Either of these options provides a contamination of the waterways and wastewater treatment plants. This provides a direct impact on the environment, but also directly affects the ability for the City to provide suitable water.

Collection activities are planned from 10:00 am through 2:00 pm on September 25, 2010 at the Crystal Lake Police Department, 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake. Residents are encouraged to bring all unused or expired medications during this time. Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may be collected.

Liquid medications will not be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables and/or syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood borne pathogens. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

This program is anonymous and all efforts will be made to protect the anonymity of individuals disposing of medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made.

Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual(s) will be encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.

If you should have any questions regarding this event, please contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at (815) 356-3620.