The Pettis County Sheriff's Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration are hosting a Drug Take Back Day on October 28.

A press release from the Pettis County Sheriff's Department says this is the 14th opportunity in seven years to prevent pills abuse and theft, by offering a chance for residents to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Area residents can bring their pills to the Sheriff's Office from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for proper disposal. The press release noted the service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

The DEA says the rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

"For the past seven years, local residents looking to get rid of their unused, unwanted or expired medications have been able to properly dispose of them via the drop box located in the lobby of the Sheriff’s Office," says Pettis County Sheriff Kevin Bond.  "If you are not available on October 28th, drugs can always be deposited in the drop box anytime, day or night. Just stop by the Sheriff’s Office lobby at 319 South Lamine to place your medications in the secure drop box."

The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches.

Kurt Parsons
Kurt Parsons
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