110 Pounds Of Unwanted Meds Turned In By Strongsville Residents

STRONGSVILLE, OH — More than 110 pounds of unwanted prescription medications were turned into Strongsville Police on Saturday. The collection was part of a national effort to get unneeded medications off the streets.

"Saturday was the National Drug Take Back Day. We collected 110 pounds of pills and a large amount of liquids and syringes. If you were unable to make it, we have a drug drop box in our lobby to dispose of pills," Strongsville Police said on Facebook.

Strongsville'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 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."

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