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, 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.

“This is a completely free and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs,” said Olens. “I encourage the citizens of Georgia to take advantage of this event.”

The event will take place from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, September 26th. Collection sites in every local community can be found by going to www.dea.gov .

In addition, Cobb County will have a similar event take place this Saturday September 12th from 10am to 2pm. Drop locations are included below:

Cobb County Safety Village

1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta

WellStar Acworth Health Park

4550 Cobb Parkway, Acworth

WellStar East Cobb Health Park

3747 Roswell Road NE, Marietta

In the previous nine Take-Back events nationwide from 2010-2014, 4,823,251 pounds, or 2,411 tons of drugs were collected. In 2014, Georgia alone collected 5,913 pounds of drugs by 63 law enforcement agencies at 81 total collection sites.

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