National Drug Take Back Day is Coming Saturday, October 24th

Two million people are currently using opioids in the United States.

In 2018, 9.9 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs.

Last year more than 70,000 people lost their lives as a result of an overdose.

Sure, prescription drugs are one of the first things criminals look for when they enter a house unlawfully, but the more likely scenario is kids taking painkillers from their parents, grandparents, and friend's homes.Do not underestimate the importance of disposing of any unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications in your house.

Help keep all of these drugs off the streets. Bring in your unused drugs to be safely disposed of. Tri-City law enforcement types are taking all drugs, prescription or non-prescription in tablet or capsule form, including those for animals, on Saturday, October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

They are also accepting vaping pens, as well as liquid medications, however, intra-venous solutions, inhalers, syringes, chemotherapy medications, vaping devices that have batteries that cannot be removed, or medical waste WILL NOT BE accepted due to the potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens. And who among us willingly wants to be exposed to blood-borne pathogens, am I wrong?

It's all part of the DEA's National Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, October 24th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments and for Pasco residents, the Pasco Walmart off of Road 68.

Richland's location to participate is 871 George Washington Way, the Kennewick location for drop offs is 211 W. 6th Avenue, and for Pasco residents, Pasco PD is teaming with Walmart at 4820 Road 68, Pasco.