Sheriff to take unused prescription meds

Van Wert independent/DEA information

Van Wert County Sheriff Stan D. Owens has released information on the upcoming National Take Back Initiative that will run from Sunday, January 15, through Saturday, April 28.

On that day, the sheriff’s department will accept prescription medicine at its office at 113 N. Market St. in Van Wert. Prescription drugs can be left with the dispatcher on duty in the lobby of the sheriff’s office, which will begin collecting prescription medications on January 15.

The national 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 teenagers use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of the abused drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S., will conduct the fourth national Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 28. The purpose of Take Back Day is to provide a venue for those who want to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This effort was a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs, particularly controlled substances, from the nation’s medicine cabinets.

There were approximately 5,327 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation that participated during last year’s event. In total, approximately 499.5 tons of pills were turned in during the three National Drug Take Back Days.

Due to their overwhelming success, the DEA is planning a fourth National Prescription Drug Take Back event — a good opportunity for those who missed out on the last event, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted or unused prescription drugs — to safely dispose of them.