KAILUA-KONA — Prescription drugs and other medicines, as well as vaping devices and cartridges, will be accepted today in Hilo and Kona for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
The initiative, according to a Friday press release from the Hawaii Police Department, continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, the public can turn in unused, unneeded or expired prescription medications between for disposal at the Kona Police Station, 74-0611 Hale Makai Place in Kailua-Kona, or the Ka Waena Lapaau Medical Complex parking lot, 670 Ponahawai St., in Hilo. The service is free and anonymous.
Tablets, capsules and all other solid dosage forms of medication will be accepted, according to the department. New or used needles and syringes and illicit substances not be accepted.
For the first time, the initiative will also accept vaping devices and cartridges at the drop-off locations, according to the department. It is important to note that devices containing lithium-ion batteries cannot be accepted. If batteries cannot be removed before drop-off, individuals should consult with stores that recycle lithium-ion batteries.
“DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative helps get unused and unwanted prescription medications out of circulation and ensures their safe disposal,” said Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon in the police department press release. “This year, we are taking a step further by accepting vaping devices and cartridges as we work with our federal partners to combat this emerging public health threat to the nation’s youth.”
On Oct. 8, the Hawaii Department of Health issued what it called a “health advisory,” urging everyone to stop vaping, no matter the substance or source, until current nationwide investigations are complete. The advisory followed the state’s first reported case of lung illness related to the use of vaping products and national estimates of more than 1,000 reported cases of lung illnesses and 18 deaths associated with vaping and e-cigarettes.
Now in its tenth year, the Drug Enforcement Administration program has collected more than 11 million pounds (almost 6,000 tons) of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications through its Take Back Day events nationwide, according to the press release. Last April, the public turned in 469 tons (937,443 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 6,258 sites.
For more information, visit www.dea.gov.