They'll take them for you, no questions asked.
On Saturday, Sept. 29, local law enforcement will be teaming up with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) for a prescription drug take-back throughout Warren County.
"We'll be accepting any prescription or non-prescription medication that people want to get rid of," City of Warren Police Sgt. Branden Deppen said.
Article Photos
Youngsville Police Chief Todd Mineweaser displays drugs from the last ‘take back’ event.
The program will not take medical "sharps" or syringes, but will take just about any other medications, including liquids and creams as long as they're in a sealed container, and they won't even ask where they came from.
"The program is anonymous," Deppen added. "They can remove their medications from the prescription bottles and remove their names. We won't ask any questions about it."
Conewango Township Police Chief Jason Peters said the program is an efficient tool for keeping medications out of the wrong hands.
"Rather than it getting into the hands of children or somebody who abuses it," Peters noted, "it's much better if we dispose of it. It's a great way to dispose of prescription medications."
Youngsville Borough Police Chief Todd Mineweaser saw another benefit of the program.
"I'd like to get the word out to some of the funeral homes to get the word out to some of the families they're working with," Mineweaser said. "Kind of take one more thing off of their minds. If they have medications they want to get rid of, bring them to the police. We'll take them and it's one less thing they have to worry about."
Mineweaser claimed drug users have, in the past, admitted to watching newspapers for requests for donations to identify people with serious medical conditions and, therefore, are likely to have prescription drugs. He said they then wait until they see a funeral notice and break into a home while family members are away during wakes and funerals to steal the medication.
"They look for someone with something like cancer, where they know they're taking pain medication," Mineweaser noted. "They see the the obituary and know the home is empty."
All three officers agreed the program works.
"I think it's a problem of supply and demand. This helps reduce the supply," Mineweaser said. "I'm a big believer in this take-back. I've been here since they started it."
"This has been a very successful program for the county," Deppen added. "We've collected hundreds of pounds of materials over the last few drop-offs."
The take-back will be held at drop-off points throughout the county from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sept. 29.
The Warren County Sheriff's Office will also be aiding in the take-back event. Sheriff Ken Klakamp said his department would be issuing a press release in anticipation of the event.
In Youngsville, medication can be dropped off at the Youngsville Borough Building, 40 Railroad St.
In Conewango Township, medication can be dropped off at Wal-Mart at the Warren Commons, 2901 Market St., North Warren.
In Warren, medication can be dropped off at the police station, 318 W. Third Ave.