If you have unneeded, unwanted or expired prescriptions at home but are unsure how to best dispose of them, you’ll have the opportunity to do so safely Saturday.
That goes for medications you’d rather not have in the house, as well.
Saturday is the 19th National Drug Take Back Day, sponsored twice a year by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study showed the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family or friends and often from the medicine cabinet.
Drugs of any kind will be accepted at the drop-off locations and no questions will be asked, Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer said. Needles will not be accepted.
For the first time, vape pens and other e-cigarette devices will also be accepted, Palmer said. However, any batteries must be removed.
At the last take back day, West Virginians turned in 6,372 pounds of drugs, according to the DEA.
Getting unused or unwanted medication out of the home is important because it helps keep it off the streets, Morgantown Communications Director Andrew Stacy said. Flushing medication can also contaminate the water system or environment.
Officers from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office and Morgantown Police Department will be at the following locations from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
- The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office Lobby
- Pierpont Landing Pharmacy
- Suncrest Towne Centre Kroger
- Mon Health Medical Center
- Villages at Heritage Point
- Earl L. Core Road Kroger
- Patteson Drive Kroger
- Hornbeck Road
- Walmart
There is also a permanent prescription drug drop box in the lobby of Morgantown’s Public Safety Building.
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