The National Take-Back Initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue: More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, and each day, about 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

In an effort to address this problem, the Drug Enforcement Administration, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, conducted the first National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day last September. Its purpose was to provide a venue for persons who wanted to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Through the effort, more than 121 tons of pills were turned in.

The second National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will be 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30. This is a great opportunity for those who missed the first event or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of them. Just go to one of the locations below:

Locations

• Lakeview Village, 9100 Park St., Lenexa
  
• Prairie Village Police Department, 7710 Mission Road, Prairie Village
  
• Olathe City Hall, 100 E. Santa Fe St., Olathe
  
• W. Jack Sanders Justice Center, 12400 Foster St. Overland Park
  
• Myron E. Scafe Justice Center, 8500 Antioch Road, Overland Park