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Phila. Police, DA Launch Pilot Program To Dispose Of Prescription Drugs

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Police and the District Attorney's office are teaming up on a pilot program that will make it easier for people to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drug medication.

DA Seth Williams says prescription drug drop boxes are now available at six police districts.

"These prescription drug boxes offer the public a safe, accesible and convenient alternative to letting prescription drugs that aren't being used stay in the home, where they can get in the wrong hands or disposing of them in lanfills or down the drain where they can end up in our water supply."

Drop boxes are expected to be offered at every police district within six months. The drugs that are collected with be burned at a Conshocken-based energy company. Williams says they are attempting to address what he calls a public health crisis.

"all the statistics show us that the majority of people who are addicted to heroin began their addiction as a result of being prescribed painkillers."

In 2014 alone, says Williams, there were 655 overdoses in Philadelphia, nearly triple the murder rate.

 

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