Charleston, W.Va. – Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is urging residents of West Virginia to participate in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Johnston highlighted the importance of the event, stating, "Properly disposing of unneeded prescription drugs can save lives and prevent medication misuse and abuse." She further added, "Every household that participates in Drug Take Back Day makes themselves and their community safer from potential harm and tragedy."
The initiative offers a free, safe, and anonymous method to dispose of prescription drugs that may be prone to diversion and abuse. Over 60 collection sites have been announced throughout the Southern District of West Virginia and other parts of the state. A locator for collection sites and additional details are available at www.DEATakeBack.com.
Law enforcement and partners at the collection sites will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. However, they will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. Liquid products, like cough syrup, should be in their original containers with tightly sealed caps to avoid leakage.
April 26, 2025, marks the 28th National Take Back Day since the DEA introduced this initiative. With local law enforcement collaboration, the program has successfully removed 9,600 tons of medication from circulation since its start, including 68.77 tons in West Virginia.
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