Community

Drug Take-Back Day Coming Saturday

Northern Panhandle residents needing to dispose of unwanted, unneeded for expired medications will have the opportunity to do so safely at several locations Saturday.

The Drug Enforcement Administration's National Drug Take Back Day will be held locally from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday throughout the region.

In the Wheeling area, a drug take-back event is scheduled at the 200 Mt. DeChantal Road Kroger location and Elm Grove Pharmacy at 102 E. Bethlehem Blvd. Local law enforcement officers, along with Youth Services System and Substance Use Prevention Coalition volunteers, will be on site to accept unused, unwanted or expired pills, liquids, gels, over-the-counter medications and patches just outside stores. No medications will be accepted inside stores.

Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and

illicit drugs will not be accepted. The DEA will also continue to accept vaping devices and

cartridges, provided lithium batteries are removed.

Last year, the Northern Panhandle collected 2,231 pounds of prescription drugs, keeping dangerous medications out of medicine cabinets and out of the hands of those who might abuse

them. According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend.

"Kroger Health is beyond excited to once again collaborate with Cardinal Health to provide anonymous, safe and convenient locations to safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs," said Steve Burson, health & wellness leader, Kroger's Columbus Division. "This step is one we can all take to help strengthen our communities and help people live healthier lives."

Other take-back locations can be found in Hancock County at Davis Pharmacy in Chester, in Brooke County at Hood Pharmacy in Follansbee, in Marshall County at Moundsville Pharmacy, and in Wetzel County at both the New Martinsville Fire Department and the Pine Grove Pharmacy.