Watch: Prescription Drug Take Back This Weekend
Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Saturday, April 30th several law enforcement agencies in the midlands will participate in Take Back Day, a nationwide program to encourage residents to get rid of unwanted or unused prescription medications by dropping them off at designated locations.
“Check your medicine cabinet, get the expired drugs, get those that you don’t need anymore,” said Sheriff Leon Lott. “Let’s get rid of them and dispose of them in a safe manner.”
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 52 million Americans over the age of 12 use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes which is a trend that is being seen here in the midlands.
“That’s the number one drug that we see that particularly young kids are getting and are abusing,” explained Sheriff Lott.
Sheriff Lott says in Lexington and Richland County they are seeing a drastic increase in the number of people who overdose on prescription drugs and is encouraging residents to help combat the issue by disposing of their unwanted prescription medications at drop-off sites across the county.
“I wish I could stand here and tell you the impact this has had and how many kids lives this has saved but we don’t know, what we do know is this has an impact,” said Sheriff Lott.
Take Back Day runs from 10am-2pm Saturday, here is a list of several of the sites:
Richland County Sheriff’s Department
CVS Pharmacy, 5608 Sunset Blvd, Lexington
West Columbia BILO, 2349 Augusta Rd
Medicine Mart, 1300 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia
Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, 550 Wilson Rd.
