79 Pounds Of Unwanted Medications Turned In By Solon Residents

SOLON, OH — More than 79 pounds of unwanted prescription medications were turned into Solon Police on Saturday. The collection was part of a national effort to get unneeded medications off the street.

Approximately 105 people took part in Solon's drug take-back event. "Drug take back events help to prevent the abuse of drugs and helps to keep them out of our water supply," the police department said in a Facebook post. "We also have a drug drop off box in our lobby that you can use to anonymously drop off unwanted pills anytime."

Solon's collection effort was part of the National Drug Take Back Day. The last such event was held in October 2017. The DEA said there were more than 5,321 collection sites across the nation for that event. An astounding, 912,305 lbs. (456 Tons) of prescription medications were turned in.

Disposing of unwanted or unneeded prescription medications can help prevent opioid addiction. Many drug users claim their addiction started with prescription medications.

"We know of many cases where leftover pain pills have led to an opioid addiction," U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman said last year in a press release. "Properly disposing of these pills is one important step anyone can take to get involved in turning the tide on the opioid epidemic that has caused so much pain here in Ohio."

Photo from Shutterstock