The next Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 26th

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public-safety issue, leading to accidental poisoning, overdose, and abuse. A safe and legal way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications is to drop them off at one of three health center locations in Prince William County on Saturday, April 26.

On that day, the Prince William County Police Department will join with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide residents with a safe and legal way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.

Simply take the medications to the collection sites at Novant Health Prince William Medical Center, Heathcote Health Center and Sentara Lake Ridge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The City of Manassas Police Department will join the effort at Novant Health Prince William Medical Center.

This nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft.

According to the DEA, rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States are increasing at alarming rates. Did you know:

• 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 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 the April 26 Prescription Take Back 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. Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine will also not be accepted during National Take-Back Day.

For more information, call the Prince William Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.