Sheriff’s Dept. to collect unwanted drugs

Van Wert County Sheriff Stan D. Owens is advising that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is planning another National Take Back Initiative on Saturday, April 30, using local law enforcement agencies as the local drop-off collection point for unwanted prescription medications.

The first Take Back Initiative held September 25, 2010, was extremely successful, with 121 tons of prescription medications brought to law enforcement agencies nationwide for disposal.

The initiative addresses a vital safety and public health issue. More than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s “National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.

Studies show that a majority of the abused drugs are obtained from family members and friends, including from home medicine cabinets. National Take Back Day was established to provide a venue for people who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs and has been a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from Americans’ medicine cabinets.

Last year, approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the country participated in the event.

Sheriff Owens stated that, for this year’s event, his department will collect unwanted prescription medication March 1-April 30 to better accommodate county residents.

Residents wanting to participate in this initiative can bring their unwanted prescription medications for disposal to the sheriff’s department, 113 N. Market St. in Van Wert.