U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officials recently announced that the 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back will take place Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This initiative is designed so that sites will be set up throughout communities nationwide so local residents can return their unwanted, unneeded or expired prescription drugs for safe disposal.

In the previous nine “Take-Back” events nationwide from 2010-2014, DEA representatives have reported that 4,823,251 pounds or 2,411 tons of drugs were collected. Kenbridge Police Department Chief Raymond Hite has said that his department will be participating in the event so that local residents can now have an opportunity to be involved locally.

Hite stated, “Kenbridge Police Department will be participating in the NTBI-National Take back Initiative. This is a terrific program that is sponsored by the DEA.”

Hite noted that it is important to have a venue to allow citizens to dispose of unwanted pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications. He stated, “By having it at the Kenbridge Police Department it makes it more convenient for local residents.” This will be the first year of participation by the Kenbridge Police Department.

The National Prescription Drug Take-Back addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are at alarming rates, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, many Americans do not know how to properly dispose of their unused medicine, often flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away, both potential safety and health hazards.

DEA officials have said that prescription drug abuse is a huge problem and this event is a great opportunity to help reduce the threat.