Longview, TX — Louis Morgan Drug #4 will be teaming up with local law enforcement to accept old or unwanted medicine on Saturday, October 29, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in support of the National Take Back Day initiative. This initiative, which involves the safe disposal of prescription drugs, is promoted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and carried out by the County Organized Drug Enforcement Division of the Longview Police Department. Based on statements by the DEA, this effort addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, and according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America more than 2500 teens use prescription drugs to obtain their first high. Often these drugs come from home medicine cabinets of family and friends.

The DEA, in efforts to address this growing problem, conducted the First National Take Back last September, with the help of state and local law enforcement. The purpose was to provide a means for individuals to safely dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. Many people have no idea what to do with these drugs, so they remain in the medicine cabinet, easily accessible, especially to youth who might be tempted to use them. Throwing the drugs away or flushing them is not a safe method of disposal either. Based on a statement from a DEA spokesman, the administration is looking into developing a more convenient method of disposal, but until then, National Take Back Day is a safe option.

You can drop off your prescription drugs at Louis Morgan #4, located at 110 Johnston Street. To find a site near you, simply visit the DEA website at: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.