Saturday is Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 30, and local organizations like the Clay County Public Health Center are encouraging individuals to take advantage of the program by safely disposing of old medications. Prescription and over-the-counter medications that are unused or expired will be accepted at drop-off locations.

Drug Take Back Days aim to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription and non-prescription drugs. It also provides an opportunity for citizens to keep their unused and expired medications off community streets, prevent drug addiction in our communities, and prevents overdose deaths. Medicine take back options are the best way to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and nonprescription medicines.

Before disposing of prescription medicines, be sure to remove all personal information on pill bottle labels and medicine packaging. All the medicines dropped off at the take back locations will be destroyed. Remember never to throw away old medications in the trash or flush down sinks or toilets.

According to the Clay County Public Health Center, the following locations are collection locations for this Saturday’s event:

- Kearney Police Department, 725 W. 92 Hwy, Kearney

- Liberty Police Department, 101 E. Kansas St, Liberty

- Excelsior Springs Police Department, 301 S. Main St, Excelsior Springs

According to ParentUpKC.com, two-thirds of teens and young adults who report misuse of prescription medicine are buying or given it from friends, family, and acquaintances. The most commonly misused prescription drugs by teens are opioids, stimulants, and central nervous system depressants. More information about prescription drug abuse and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day locations can be found on ParentUpKC.com.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story