VAN WERT — Old prescription drugs sitting in home medicine cabinets can lead to a multitude of problems.
Lt. Joe Welker with the Wapakoneta Police Department said that National Prescription Drug Take Back Day can be a perfect chance to get rid of the items. The national day takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
“A lot of people have children, and it can be dangerous if it accumulates around the household,” Welker said. “In today’s day and age, it can lead to residential burglaries. It is better to get rid of them.”
The Wapakoneta Police Department is one of four sites in the area that will be accepting prescriptions pills no longer being used. Other sites include the Mercer, Putnam and Van Wert sheriff’s offices. While all of those locations, as well as most local law enforcement agencies, have licensed drop boxes that are available 24 hours a day, Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach said it is beneficial to have a designated event.
“It is a benefit because it increases awareness,” Riggenbach said. “It sends people a friendly reminder.”
Riggenbach said it is a perfect chance for residents to get rid of unneeded medications.
“They may no longer need them, or they have expired,” Riggenbach said. “People will break into homes and use them or sell them out on the street if they become aware of someone having prescription medicines in their home.”
Prescription Drug Take Back Day is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration. Welker noted that drugs in pill form will be accepted; other forms will not be.
Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman both issued statements on the importance of the event.
“Prescription drug abuse and misuse has devastated Ohio communities,” Brown said. “All prescription medications, especially addictive opioid painkillers, should be disposed of safely to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.”
“Four out of five people addicted to opioids start out using prescription drugs,” Portman said. “I am pleased that so many communities in our state are participating in this annual event.”
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