Drug 'Take Back' Event Saturday

Attorney General Jack Conway is urging Kentuckians to participate in a prescription drug “Take-Back” day on Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm, by safely disposing of any unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs.

This marks the eighth nationwide “Take-Back” day with prescription drug collection sites in local communities across the country.  More than 70 collection sites have been designated in Kentucky as part of the initiative, which is designed to help prevent an increase in prescription drug abuse and theft.

According to the 2012 Kentucky Health Issues Poll, prescription painkillers are the leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and one in three Kentuckians has a friend or family member who has experienced problems as a result of abusing prescription pain relievers.  Additionally, a report by the nonprofit Trust for America’s Health lists Kentucky as having the third-highest rate of fatal overdoses in the country – the vast majority from prescription pills.

“Through this initiative, our efforts, in combination with the great work of the DEA and local law enforcement agencies, have resulted in the collection and proper disposal of thousands of pounds of unneeded prescription drugs that would otherwise pose a threat to Kentucky families,” Attorney General Conway said.  “These take-back events serve a critical role in making our communities safer by keeping potentially addictive and deadly prescription medications out of the wrong hands.”

The “Take-Back” initiative is a collaborative effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement and government agencies.  The service is free and anonymous.

The local drop off location is at KSP Post 1 Mayfield, located at 8366 ST RT 45 North.