2nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Prescription drug abuse is one of the fastest-growing substance abuse issues facing our community.

In Georgia, deaths related to prescription drug overdoses have surpassed overdose deaths from all other illegal drugs combined. Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

Another challenge related to prescription drugs is safe disposal. Improper disposal of medication can have negative effects on the environment such as contamination of drinking water. In fact, recent studies have revealed prescription drug contamination in the water supply of many communities across the United States.

To address both of these issues, the is partnering with the DEA and numerous other law enforcement agencies across the country to hold the 2nd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 30, 2011. This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medication. During the last event, approximately 3,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide collected more than 121 tons of prescription medication.

Officers and agents from the Kennesaw Police Department and the DEA will be on site at the Kennesaw Police Department on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect unwanted medication and to answer questions concerning prescription drug abuse.

For additional information, contact me at 770-422-2505 or cgraydon@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Always on the watch,

Lt. Craig Graydon

Lt. Craig Graydon has been a member of the since 1986. He has served in many capacities  within the department, including 911 dispatcher, crime scene investigator, detective and jail administrator. He is currently assigned to the planning and analysis unit where he is responsible for crime analysis and emergency planning.