2021 Police Annual Report_v5 (1)

2020 NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY

DEA DRUG TAKE BACK PROGRAM

The Orland Park Police Department participated in the bi-annual Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Initiative. According to the 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, “Americans currently abuse prescription drugs more than the number of those using cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin and inhalants combined.” In a published article on January 13, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified prescription drug abuse as the fastest growing drug problem in the United States. In 2021, the Orland Park Police Department collected over 600 pounds of prescription medication from area residents for proper destruction during the bi-annual initiative and during the scheduled drop off days and times at the department. Since enrolling in the program in 2012, the Orland Park Police Department has collected well over three tons (approximately 7,000 lbs.) of unwanted, unused or discarded prescription medications. A large quantity of the medication collected is tightly controlled; highly addictive and potentially fatal opioids (pain killers). Prescription drugs (no needles or liquids) may be dropped off at the police department from 9AM to 1PM Monday through Thursday.

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