Northern Panhandle to participate in National Prescription Take Back Day to ensure safe disposal of unused medications

OHIO VALLEY (WTRF) — On Saturday, April 27, from 10 to 2 pm, the Northern Panhandle will be participating in National Prescription Take Back Day.

Residents in Hancock, Booke, Marshall, Ohio, and Wetzel Counties will have the opportunity to drop off unused or unwanted prescription medication at designated sites.

Law enforcement entities such as the Wheeling Police Department work with local community organizations and the Drug Enforcement Administration to dispose of prescriptions in a safe way.

“What we find is a lot of folks will do stuff that might not be as environmentally conscious like flushing it or throwing it in the trash and that can open up the door for misuse and even unintentional misuse, so this is a way to get it in the hands of the professionals.”

Austin Richardson, Assistant Director for Prevention Services at Youth Services Systems

“Mostly what we’re seeking is drugs that can be abused like painkillers, pain medication, fentanyl patches, morphine patches, but we do accept all prescription medications.”

Sargent Rob Safreed – member of the Wheeling Police Department

If you miss out on the opportunity to get rid of unwanted medication, most police stations have a collection box that residents can utilize at any time throughout the year. Any day can be a drug takeback day.

For more information on where your take-back location is, visit www.DEA.gov or www.youthservicesystem.org .

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