Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24

On Saturday, Oct. 24, the Drug Enforcement Administration will be hosting a national Prescription Drug Take Back Day, when residents may dispose of expired and unused medications in a safe and easy way.

“Participating in the national Take Back day is a great strategy to help keep adults (and kids!) healthy and safe,” says the Center for Prevention and Counseling in Newton. “Last year, people from all over the country disposed over 800,000 pounds of unused or expired medications to the Drug Enforcement Administration. With each year comes more success, if you have any unused or expired medication, consider disposing them on 10/24 at any medication disposal drop box.”

Keep in mind these few tips and tricks when looking after your prescriptions:

● Always keep medications in a safe place so they are out of the way of children.

● Store them in a locked drawer or cabinet for optimal safety.

● Sometimes we may forget to take medications; try using a medication tracking journal, or set timers so that you do not forget when to take your medication.

● Using a pill box along with a medication tracking journal will also help ensure that you do not forget about important medication.

Police departments in Andover, Augusta, Byram, Hardyston, Hopatcong, Newton, Sparta, and Vernon have permanent drop boxes for prescription drugs that are available around the clock, every day of the year.

For more information email Catherine@centerforprevention.org.