Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and the Drug Enforcement Administration Ask Texans to Trash Dangerous Unused and Expired Prescription Drugs

Richardson, TX. —  In a nationwide effort to clear homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.  On Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CDT), the DEA will have more than 223 locations across Texas available for the public to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.  Texas residents may find a convenient collection site by visiting www.dea.gov  , click on "Got Drugs?" and enter their zip codes. 

"We believe that as representatives of BCBSTX members, we have an obligation to provide leadership in the health care field," said, Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, vice president and chief medical officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.  "Part of that obligation includes educating our communities about the proper use and misuse of pharmaceutical medications.  The important thing to remember is not to take drugs that are expired or prescribed for someone else. "

According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more Americans currently abuse prescription drugs than the number using cocaine, hallucinogens, and heroin combined.  The Partnership for a Drug Free America reports that each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.  In addition, it's advised that usual methods of disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas -- the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas — is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 40,000 physicians and 400 hospitals to serve 4.6 million members in all 254 counties.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall.  Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

For Additional Information:
Website:  www.BCBSTX.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/BCBSTX 
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/bluecrossblueshieldoftexas