The Port Townsend Police Department, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration, has scheduled a second Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at the Port Townsend Police Department, 1925 Blaine St.

 

Police officers will be safely and legally collecting potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs, medications and supplements for destruction.

 

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

 

Last September, Americans turned in 242,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the DEA and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners, including the Port Townsend Police Department.

 

In Jefferson County, more than 50 people brought their unwanted medications to the first “Take-Back” event.

 

Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends. According to the 2010 Washington State Healthy Youth Survey, 8 percent of students in grades 10-12 used a prescription pain medication to get high in the past 30 days.

 

Because these drugs often are readily available, teens who otherwise wouldn’t touch illicit drugs might abuse prescription drugs. Proper and safe disposal prevents theft and other misuse of medications.

 

In addition, there are environmental concerns about the impact of medications on the water supply and natural aquatic habitats. Medications should not be flushed down the toilet or thrown away in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.   

 

The following items do not qualify as items that can be handed in. Do not bring in: IV solutions, syringes (empty or with liquid in them), medical waste, old crutches, air casts or splints.

 

For more information, call Kay Pownall of the Port Townsend Police Department at 360-385-2322. See www.cityofpt.us/Police or www.jeffersonsheriff.org for information regarding the ongoing Drug Take-Back Program.