MOUNT VERNON — Expired and unused prescription medications will be collected at six Knox County locations on Saturday as part of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) fifth National Drug Take-Back Day. Previous take-back days have amassed more than 1.6 million pounds of medications that might otherwise have been misused.
The DEA reports that more Americans abuse prescription medications, particularly painkillers, stimulants and depressants, than use heroin, cocaine and hallucinogens combined. Experts say the problem is at epidemic proportions, and that the main sources of misused prescription drugs are family and friends. Typically, medications are stolen or diverted for consumption or sale.
There are permanent collection boxes at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and at the Mount Vernon Police Department, and four additional sites will operate from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday under the guidance of the 10-county METRICH Anti-Drug Enforcement Unit. Those sites are the Knox County Health Department, 11660 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon; Fosters Pharmacy, 4584 Columbus Street in Centerburg; St. Luke Community Center, 7 W. Rambo St. in Danville; and the Fredericktown Police Department at 182 S. Main St.
Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to theft or diversion of medications, and responsible family members are encouraged to assist them with periodic inventories to identify out-of-date and unwanted medications. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of Saturday’s event to get potentially dangerous drugs out of circulation.
There is no charge for the drug collections, and no questions will be asked. It is recommended that any identification labels be removed, and medications in pill and capsule form should be sealed in clear plastic bags.
Contact Bill Amick
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