Dispose unwanted prescription drugs at JPD this Sat. April 24 for National Drug Take Back Day

The Juneau Police Department will be hosting a drop-off location on April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. During that time, the public can drop off potentially dangerous prescription medications at the Juneau Police Department (6255 Alaway Avenue) for disposal.

Types of medications that can be collected are tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Vaping devices and cartridges may be accepted at the drop-off location provided lithium batteries are removed.

At its last Take Back Day in October, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) collected a record-high amount of expired, unwanted, and unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs across the count. Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. With studies indicating a majority of abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential. Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.

Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com, or by calling 800-882-9539.