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National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
“Here in New Mexico, we are working hard to fight prescription drug abuse and the impact it has on our communities, and we also need families and individuals to help – by not keeping expired or unused medications in the home where they can be misused,” said Governor Susana Martinez. “If you or your family have unused or expired prescription drugs in the home, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to dispose of them safely.”
“Prescription drug abuse remains an important public safety and public health issue in New Mexico,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is a great opportunity to safely get rid of unwanted or unused prescription drugs and make sure they don’t get into the wrong hands.”
New Mexicans are advised that common methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
Law enforcement in communities around the state will be participating in the event. Visit the National Take Back Initiative Site Search web page to find the nearest disposal site nearest you.
During last year’s event, New Mexicans turned in 4,400 pounds – or more than two tons - of medication to law enforcement partners across New Mexico.
Curbing drug overdose deaths has been a major priority for Governor Susana Martinez and her Administration. Working with the state legislature, the Governor has taken a comprehensive approach to fighting opioid abuse in New Mexico, including expanding access to Naloxone, strengthening prescription monitoring laws, and expanding the availability of treatment across the state. Additionally, the State recently secured $9.5 million in federal funding to help fight, prevent, and treat opioid abuse in the state.
For information on prescription drug safety visit the Opioid Safety section of our website. Additional resources are available from the New Mexico Department of Health’s Harm Reduction page.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Paul Rhien at 505-470-2290 (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
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