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How to Hold a Successful Rx/OTC Takeback

rx otc

The information here includes suggestions. Your event must follow guidelines established by your local Law Enforcement.

  1. Contact local law enforcement to verify their support! It is important to talk with your Law Enforcement and set up procedures for your takeback. The DEA requires law enforcement are present at the takeback and take possession of the medications for proper destruction.

  2. Secure a convenient location in your area to hold the takeback.

  3. Work with local Law Enforcement and send letter to DEA for approval of your event. View a sample letter.

  4. Recruit volunteers to be at the takeback with Law Enforcement. Depending on the size of your
    community, you will most likely need at least two volunteers. Also work to partner with other agencies in your community.

  5. Advertise your takeback in the community.

    • Talk with schools, local pharmacists and other businesses to see if they are willing to distribute information. Many local businesses will hand out flyers to customers or place the information on their websites, marquees or other information boards. View a sample flyer.

    • Send an email with information to your group and ask them to spread the word with their
      families, friends, churches, clubs, etc.

    • Send media releases to newspapers, community newsletters, radio and tv stations. View a sample media release.

  6. At the takeback

    • If Local Law enforcement requires have people sign a form turning over their medications to Law Enforcement. View a sample police release form.

    • Ask people brining in medications to complete a short survey to gather data on medications and abuse. View a sample survey.

    • For your group’s statistics and data, record the types of medications collected and any other information desired, such as number of people bringing in medications, weight of medications collected, etc. View a sample log sheet.

  7. After the takeback compile all your data. Share your success with your group, law enforcement and the community through media and other sources!

Rx/OTC: How to have a successful takeback | Resource Links