Drug Take-Back Day this Saturday, April 30, at three local hospitals

Pill abuse and theft are increasing at alarming rates, according to the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

To help combat this growing trend, local law enforcement departments are joining with DEA to provide residents with a safe and legal way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications.

Simply take them to the collection sites at Novant Health Prince William Medical Center (Prince William Hospital in Manassas), Sentara (hospital) Lake Ridge, or Novant Health Haymarket (hospital) Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

Officers from the Prince William County Police Department and the Manassas City Police Department will be at the sites to accept the unwanted medications during nationwide prescription “Take-Back” program which seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft.

According to a release from the county police, residents should know that:

* 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 and seal them in a bag or disposable container and throw that away.

During the take-back, prescription and over-the-counter solid-dosage medications (I.e. tablets, and capsules) will be accepted but intravenous solutions, injectables and needles will not be accepted.

The county police are also participating in April is Litter and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Month and Street Smart Education and Enforcement Campaign for Pedestrian Safety month.