Community May Leave Unused Medications at UTEP Drop-Off Site

The University of Texas at El Paso will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative as a drop-off site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, in front of the Campbell Building, 1101 N. Campbell St.

Motorists should be in their left-hand lane as they approach the yellow zone in front of the building. Drivers may drop off their unwanted medicines into containers that will be set up along the curb. A UTEP crime prevention specialist and a Drug Enforcement Administration representative will be there to accept the items.

The purpose of this event, organized by the DEA, is to provide convenient locations for residents to dispose of unused or unwanted prescription drugs or expired over-the-counter medicines in a safe way.

UTEP has been involved as a drop-off site since 2007, said Juan Rabelo, University Police crime prevention coordinator. A little more than 74 pounds of unused medication were left at the UTEP drop off site during the last Take Back Day in April 2016.

Rabelo said that people may remove their personal information from the prescription medication, but that it is not necessary because the boxes of discarded drugs are taped shut at the end of the day and taken to a safe DEA location where the medication is counted and properly disposed.

The University promotes the event to its students, employees and the community through social media, campus UTEP Today screens, The Prospector student newspaper, and by passing out fliers to doctors’ offices near the University.

“We know there is a need so we participate to raise awareness,” Rabelo said. “Take Back Day gives the public a safe alternative to dispose of their unwanted medications.”

For more information, please call 915-747-6640 or visit the DEA Diversion Control Division website for a drop-off location near you.