As the opioid crisis continues to affect families across the United States, Google brainstormed how their technical expertise could help families and individuals combat the epidemic. Research by the federal government has shown that prescription drug abuse is a large driver of opioid addiction, and that many abused drugs are obtained from family and friends. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) created the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, happening this Saturday, April 28, as a way to allow people to properly dispose of unneeded or expired prescription drugs. While this is a great way to help prevent others from misusing the drugs, people may have a hard time finding the disposal programs within their community. That is where Google comes in; using Google Maps API, the Google team worked with the DEA to create a locator tool helping anyone find a place near them to dispose of leftover drugs. To learn more about how Google is teaming up to fight the opioid crisis, and how you can take part by disposing of your unwanted drugs this weekend, visit here.
