Florida Hosts "Bring Back Your Pills Day"

The Sunshine State is making a much-needed effort to reduce prescription drug abuse as it prepares for its second "Prescription Drug Take-Back Day" tomorrow, August 27. Attorney General Pam Bondi sponsored a measure 10 days ago that marked the 27th as the day where Floridians can safely return unused or expired medications—over 70 pharmacies, grocery stores and law enforcement centers statewide will be waiting to receive their drugs. The numbered of sites doubled this year, due to high participation in last year's event. 5,647 drug-related deaths in Florida in 2010 involved prescription pills, according to the Florida Medical Examiners Commission Report on Drugs Identified in Deceased Persons—and the rate is rising. Florida's Governor Rick Scott, whose reputation on pill mills is extremely mixed, claimed his state is winning the fight against them, citing almost 940 arrests—including 17 doctors—since he set up a strike force in March. Florida has also confiscated more than 252,000 pills and almost $1.7 million in assets since then. “This is what is possible when we target the source of the problem: bad doctors at the top of the pill mill supply chain,” Scott said. “Florida’s law enforcement officers have made a dramatic impact.”