No, we aren’t encouraging drug use. In fact, we are doing just the opposite. Or should we say, the proper disposal of unused prescription drugs.

According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than seven million Americans abuse prescription drugs. That is a startling statistic. Even more starling is the fact, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, about 2,500 teens use these very drugs in order to get high for their first time.

If you are wondering how these teens are getting their hands on prescription drugs, studies show that a great deal are in fact obtained from from family and friends. And yes, this includes finding them in your medicine cabinet.

Perhaps you know someone who has abused prescription drugs in the past. Sadly, our very own local community has experienced several loses due to this type of drug use and abuse. In order to combat this problem, the DEA conducted the first ever National Prescription Drug Take Back Day back in September, 2010. This very day provided a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs.

The effort was a wonderful success, with approximately 3,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation who participated and over 121 tons of pills turned in by the American Public. That being said, the DEA has scheduled the second National Prescription Drug Take Back Day for Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.

We encourage any and all of you to take advantage of this great opportunity to turn in any accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to ensure their safe disposal. Let’s see if we can’t beat 121 tons of pills! Go ahead, clean out and organize your medicine cabinets and bathroom cupboards – this day may give you the deadline, but you’ll be glad you did every day afterwards as you’ll be better able to find what you need when you need it and knowing that you’ve disposed of your old prescription drugs properly. Win win!

To find a collection site near you, click here. Thank you to everyone for doing your part.