Student pharmacists from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) will be assisting the National Take-Back Initiative at DKICP’s 8th Annual Health Fair on Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m, at the Prince Kuhio Plaza. This is the first time the national event has coincided with DKICP’s health fair.
The purpose of the Prescription Take-Back booth is to turn in any unused or expired medications for safe, anonymous disposal. New or used needles and syringes will not be accepted.
The student pharmacists also hope to educate the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. In Hawai’i, more than 22,300 pounds of drugs have been safely collected and disposed. Nationwide, the take-backs have collected over 3,200 tons of pharmaceuticals.
The National Take-Back Initiative is a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Department of Public Safety, Narcotics Enforcement Division and Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division.
For more information, contact Tracey Niimi at 932-7139.