National Prescription Drug Take Back Day shows importance of fighting back against misuse of prescription drugs
GLENSHAW, Pa. (KDKA) - Police departments across the country Saturday took part in the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
It's an effort that's become more important as misuse continues to spike, and that hits close to home for a family in the Shaler area.
As Norma Hufnagel stood outside the Shaler North Hills Library, collecting medications, she couldn't help but think about her son, David Jr., who died of an overdose in 2007.
RELATED: All the information you need about National Drug Take Back Day
"You can't run away from it," Norma said. "You have to teach yourself how to deal with it on a daily basis."
David Jr. was just 35 years old. At an early age, he dabbled with different kinds of drugs, but the problem escalated when a doctor prescribed him oxycodone for an injury and eventually took him off it.
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"David told the doctor, right out, 'I have to go to the streets.' He said, 'This pain is too much for me,' and so that's what he did, and he got tainted fentanyl," Norma said.
A few years later, in 2011, the Hufnagels decided to turn their grief into something positive, leading the effort for Shaler police to take part in the DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
On Saturday, they did so once again in the library parking lot, conveniently fighting misuse and poisonings.
According to the CDC, 83% of adults 65 and older report taking prescription medicine. Older adults are also more likely to be taking multiple meds, which can result in a higher rate of exposure to potentially addictive drugs and a greater risk of abuse.
Norma wants to encourage folks to look at their medicine cabinets and clean them out.
"I like to think that David's looking down saying, 'Good job mom and dad,'" Norma said.
Through it all, she's hoping to prevent another tragedy.
"I don't want them to have to experience this pain that my husband and I went through, you know, 35 years old, he's supposed to be putting us to rest. We're not supposed to be putting him to rest," Norma said.
If you couldn't make it, drop-off boxes are available at sites year-round, including in the lobby of the Shaler Police Department.
You can get rid of prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make arrangements after-hours, call 412-492-2222.
You can find a list of other collection sites here.
