The Prince William and Manassas police departments are hosting a prescription drug “Take-Back” event on October 28.
Partnering with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the event will provide residents with a safe and legal way to get rid of any unused or expired medications.
According to a release, the collection sites will be Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center, Sentara Lake Ridge, and Novant Health UVA Health System Haymarket Medical Center, and they will be accepting the medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More facts on prescription drugs, from a release:
Unused or expired prescription medications are a public-safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse.
Pharmaceutical drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs when taken without a prescription or a doctor’s supervision.
The majority of those abusing prescription drugs, including teens, get them from family and friends – and the home medicine cabinet.
Unused prescription drugs thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused, or illegally sold. Unused drugs that are flushed contaminate the water supply. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.
Take-back programs are the best way to dispose of old drugs. But if a program is not available:
Take the meds out of their bottles;
Mix them with something unappealing like used kitty litter or coffee grounds;
Seal them in a bag or disposable container, and throw that away.
“During this initiative, prescription and over-the-counter solid-dosage medications (i.e. tablets and capsules) will be accepted. Intravenous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted at most locations,” stated a release.
Illegal substances will also not be accepted. For more information call the Prince William County Police Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.
