Northeast News
October 26, 2011

Those with expired or unwanted prescription drugs will be able to dispose of them safely this Saturday, Oct. 29.

It’s part of the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has arranged for drop-off locations throughout the metro.

More than 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. A majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

In addition to the potential for abuse, inappropriate disposal of prescription drugs leads to serious environmental issues. When drugs are flushed down toilets, washed down sinks, or thrown in storm sewers, the substances pose a number of health risks to people and wildlife. Treating waste water for these substances can be challenging, and substances that go down storm water drains flow — untreated — directly into local streams.

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

Prescription drugs may be dropped off at locations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Kansas City locations include:
Central Patrol Division, 3215 Main St.
Walgreens, 5400 Independence Ave.
Metro Patrol Division, 633 E. 63rd St.
North Patrol Division, 1001 NW Barry Rd.
CVS Pharmacy, 11124 Holmes
Shoal Creek Stn., 6801 Pleasant Valley Rd.