Alva Review-Courier -

This Saturday, April 29, you can rid your prescription drug cabinet of expired and/or no longer used medications. Drop them off at the Kiowa, Kansas, Police Department at 1210 Main St. in Kiowa, 2–6 p.m.

This is a joint effort of the KPD, the Barber County EMS, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) known as Take Back Day. This is the public's 13th opportunity in seven years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, and unwanted prescription drugs.

This service is free and anonymous – no questions asked.

Last October, Americans turned in 366 tons (over 730,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at almost 5,200 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,000 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 12 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 7.1 million pounds – more than 3,500 tons – of pills.

The initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medications that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S., are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisoning and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines – flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash – both pose potential and safety health hazards.

For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 29 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA website or call the Kiowa Police Department at 620-825-4124.