Drop Off Your Unused Prescription Drugs On Saturday

This Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which is an event taking place across the country, to help stop prescription drug abuse. Several places around the area are offering locations for anyone to drop off their unused drugs.

The nearest drop-off site for your unused drugs are at the , 3631 Drexler Dr. W. The Port Orchard Police Department will also be collecting items at its city hall, 216 Prospect St.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day was first conducted in September, as federal officials began to recognize the potential dangers that prescription drugs pose to users.

It’s a problem that’s growing.

The Partnership for a Drug Free America found approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time every day. Studies also showed that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

Some 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies participated in the first Take-Back Day in September, collecting 121 tons of prescription pills.

If you can't make it tomorrow, you can always drop off unused prescription drugs at the during its normal business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Just place them in the drop-off box located outside the office.

For more information, visit the federal Office of Diversion Control’s website.