04/21/2026
Twice a year, in April and October, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) partners with local law enforcement and other community organizations to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Days. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages residents to participate in the upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, by cleaning out and properly disposing of unused or expired medications.
Nearly 50% of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, according to the DEA.
In 2023, there were 2,157 drug overdose deaths in South Carolina, a 6.1% decrease from 2022. Of those overdose deaths, 1,840 were attributed to prescription drugs. That decrease continued in 2024, with 1,479 overdose deaths reported that year*.
For more information: https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-encourages-residents-dispose-unused-prescription-medicines-during-drug-take-back-day
