The Vernon Hills Police Department will host its sixth Drug Take-Back Day on Sept. 26.
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Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted and expired medications to the police department, 740 Lakeview Parkway, for disposal. Held between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the service is free and anonymous.
The national Drug Take-Back Day, held in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), aims to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous drugs. This will be the initiative’s eighth effort in four years.
More than 4.8 million pounds, or 2,411 tons, of prescription medications have been removed from circulation since the take-back initiative began five years ago.
Officials said the initiative addresses both public safety and public health issues. Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, according to authorities.
The initiative is aimed at reducing the rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S., as well as accidental poisonings and overdoses. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet, according to authorities.
Officials also warn that flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose potential health and safety hazards.
A list of acceptable and unacceptable items can be found on the Vernon Hills Police Department website, www.vhpd.com. Anyone with questions may call (847) 362-4449.
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