This weekend, the Drug Enforcement Administration will host the 18th National Drug Take-Back Day. Since the program’s inception, more than 11 million pounds of expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications have been removed from Americans’ medicine cabinets. This is so important because we are in the midst of a national opioid crisis, claiming 17 lives a day right here in Florida.
The last time DEA sponsored a Take-Back Day, more than 30,000 pounds of medication were turned over in a single day. That is an astonishing number and exemplifies the excess supply of prescription opioids in our state. These unused medications often sit in people’s medicine cabinets because they have been forgotten or people don’t know what to do with them.
Sadly, users will often rummage through the medicine cabinets of family members or friends in search of opioid pills. This can fuel addiction or even lead to an overdose death. Drug Take-Back Days encourage citizens to get rid of these addictive medications, and potentially save a life in the process.
I am excited to announce that, for the first time ever, DEA is accepting vaping devices and cartridges as part of the Take-Back effort. Vaping is a fast-growing public health epidemic among Florida’s youth. Florida’s Department of Health recently reported that one in four high schoolers admitted that they have vaped.
If you find vaping products in your child’s possession, please talk to them about the dangers of underaged vaping—and then bring those products to the nearest Take-Back location.
To find a location near you, click here.
By participating in Drug Take-Back Day, you can help us combat the opioid crisis and build a stronger, safer Florida.
In The News
DEA to accept vaping products at next National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, NBC News
DEA will now accept vaping devices, cartridges during Drug Take Back program, WESH Orlando
Navarre woman arrested for exploiting an elderly person, WJHG Panama City
Panhandle elder care worker charged with exploiting a resident in her care, Northwest Florida Daily News
Navarre woman accused of stealing from elderly woman in her care, WKRG Pensacola
Youth Government Day lets high school students learn about civics and City government, WCTV Tallahassee
Surgeon General sounds alarm on unregulated vaping crisis, Florida Politics
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Sponsors Cybersecurity Awareness Resolution
Attorney General Ashley Moody presented a resolution at a Florida Cabinet Meeting recognizing October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. NCSAM emphasizes personal accountability, stressing the importance of taking necessary precautions to improve cybersecurity at home and at work. The Governor and Florida Cabinet unanimously passed the resolution.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The rapid growth of criminal activity on the internet is a serious threat to Floridians. Please be aware of the harmful tricks that scammers and cybercriminals utilize in an effort to steal your money and identity. Make sure you are equipped with up-to-date and secure programs to protect your personal and sensitive information—and if you see cyber fraud, contact my office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visit Read More
Attorney General Moody Calls on Leading Online Sales Companies to Crack Down on Illegal Alcohol Sales
Attorney General Ashley Moody is calling on Craigslist, eBay and Facebook to take proactive measures against illegal alcohol sales on their platforms. Attorney General Moody is joining a bipartisan coalition of 46 Attorneys General in this effort to stop illegal online alcohol sales.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “When websites like Craigslist, eBay and Facebook allow alcohol sales on their platforms—state licensing laws and consumer protection efforts are often violated. This creates risk for consumers who could obtain fake or even tainted products, sometimes with deadly effects. As we’ve seen with the teen vaping epidemic, teenagers are finding new ways to purchase contraband online. That is why I am joining other attorneys general across the country to urge these online platforms to take responsibility and implement meaningful systems and programs to protect Floridians.” Read More
Navarre Woman Arrested for Exploiting Senior
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, in conjunction with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department, arrested a Navarre woman for exploitation and misuse of a power of attorney of an elderly person. Following an investigation by Attorney General Moody’s MFCU, the FWBPD brought Sabrina Shelton, a former employee at a skilled nursing center, into custody for allegedly exploiting the power of attorney of a resident at the facility where Shelton worked.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This case disgusts me—that a caregiver would exploit a senior entrusted to their care. I hope this arrest sends a strong message to anyone contemplating taking advantage of vulnerable Floridians, that I have investigators and attorneys laser-focused on stopping senior fraud and abuse, and you will not escape justice.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody held a news conference ahead of National Drug Take-Back Day in Tampa, joined by Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement officials. Drug Take-Back Day is an opportunity for citizens to properly dispose of expired, unused or unwanted drugs at specific locations. To view the entire news conference, click here.
Attorney General Moody speaking at the Florida Cyber Conference in Tampa. The conference, organized by Cyber Florida, focuses on cybersecurity innovation, advancements and in-depth discussions on being safer online and to better avoid cybercriminals.
Attorney General Moody with U.S. Army General and Cyber Command Director Paul Nakasone and University of South Florida President Dr. Steven Currall at the Florida Cyber Conference.
Attorney General Moody with University of Central Florida Army Cadets attending the Florida Cyber Conference.
Attorney General Ashley Moody joined Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey to welcome local high school students participating in Tallahassee Youth Government Day. Attorney General Moody conducted the swearing-in ceremony at Tallahassee City Hall.
Attorney General Moody with Tallahassee Mayor Dailey following the swearing-in ceremony.
Attorney General Moody speaking at a news conference in the State Capitol rotunda celebrating Florida’s Silver Alert Program. In just over a decade, more than 2,000 Florida lives have been saved thanks to the Silver Alert Program.
Attorney General Moody visiting with University of South Florida students participating in USF's Tallahassee Internship Program.
