SEATTLE, November 28, 2016 – The Washington Poison Center (WAPC) announced that it is now the owner and curator of the statewide medication return website, https://takebackyourmeds.org/ and its social media pages. In an effort to increase awareness and expand its use across Washington State, the WAPC will incorporate Take Back Your Meds into existing statewide education outreach programs and harm reduction efforts as well as future stewardship and growth.

Currently, pharmaceutical substances account for about half of all exposure calls to the Washington Poison Center, and poisoning/overdose remains the number one cause of unintentional death in Washington state and in the U.S.. “Handling over 35,000 drug cases annually and employing two full time public health educators based in Seattle and Spokane, the Take Back Your Meds program aligns with our mission to reduce the harm caused by poisonings. It is reinforced by existing programs, services, and education outreach WAPC delivers statewide to people of all ages,” said Washington Poison Center’s Medical & Executive Director, Dr. Erica Liebelt.

Takebackyourmeds.org helps Washington state residents locate pharmacy and law enforcement locations to dispose of their unused, unwanted, and/or expired medications. Eliminating excess medication from the home can reduce the potential for unintentional injury or misuse and abuse. Promoting secure medication takeback and safe medication disposal are vital components of an overall order by Governor Inslee to address the opioid crisis nationwide and here in Washington State.

Since taking ownership of the page, the WAPC has updated the website content to include an interactive map of take back location, allowing Washingtonians to quickly locate medication return sites near them. This map also differentiates between locations that accept controlled and non-controlled substances. In addition, the site includes tips on safe storage and disposal.

Visit https://takebackyourmeds.org/ to find a take back location and connect with Take Back Your Meds on Facebook (@takebackyourmeds) and Twitter (@takebackurmeds).

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