Get rid of unwanted / unused prescriptions at local Drug Take-Back day Oct. 26

Local residents can safely dispose of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs on Saturday, Oct. 26 at three area hospitals. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Prince William Hospital at 8700 Sudley Road in Manassas will be a disposal site as will the Heathcote Health Center in Haymarket and Sentara Lake Ridge in Woodbridge.

The Manassas City Police Department will be joining the Prince William County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse.
 
In its five previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners took well over 2 million pounds-nearly 1,018 tons-of pills out of circulation.

According to a news release from the Manassas Police Department, the initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.

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.

DEA is drafting regulations to implement the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010.  Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies will continue to hold prescription drug take-back events every few months.

For more information on the National Take-Back Initiative call the Manassas City Police Department Community Services Section at (703) 257-8092.