Sen. Gene Yaw announced on April 23 that the next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration, will take place on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event aims to encourage residents in Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties to safely dispose of expired or unwanted prescription drugs at designated drop-off locations. The goal is to reduce drug abuse and prevent accidental overdoses in local communities.
“Take Back Day is an excellent way to reduce drug abuse and misuse across the board,” Yaw said. “It’s not only about preventing people from stealing or abusing prescription drugs, but it’s also about preventing accidental use and overdose, especially by our senior population, and ensuring that unused drugs are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner.”
During the previous National Take Back Day held in October 2025, law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania collected nearly 21,000 pounds of unused or expired medication. Since its inception in 2010, the national initiative has resulted in over 20 million pounds (10,196 tons) of prescription medications being collected by the DEA and its partners.
Yaw represents areas including Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties according to the official website. He has contributed to community activities by coaching Little League Baseball and youth soccer according to the official website. In addition to his legislative work chairing the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee while serving as vice chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee according to the official website, Yaw received recognition as Lycoming County Solicitor of the Year in 2004 according to the official website.
Yaw also provided general counsel for more than two decades at Pennsylvania College of Technology and has chaired its board since 2013 according to the official website.
The broader effort reflects ongoing attempts nationwide—and locally—to address public health concerns related to prescription drug misuse while promoting environmental safety through proper disposal methods.
