Join the DEA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 26, 2024

CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – U.S. Attorney Will Thompson is encouraging West Virginians to take advantage of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) upcoming National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.mto dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications.

Take Back Day offers a free, safe, and anonymous way to get rid of prescription medications that are vulnerable to diversion and abuse. More than 80 collection sites have already been announced throughout the Southern District of West Virginia and elsewhere in the state. A collection point search and further information can be found at www.DEATakeBack.com.

“Nonmedical use of prescription drugs is the second most common form of drug abuse in America,” Thompson said. “Safely disposing of old, unwanted and unneeded prescription medications is an effective way to prevent accidental poisonings, overdoses and misuse.”

DEA and its partners collect tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription medications. Collection points do not accept syringes, sharp objects and illegal drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in the original container. The cap must be tightly closed to prevent leakage.

Working with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of drugs from circulation since its launch. The total includes 66,587 collected in West Virginia.