Koon's Watch

Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Communities are encouraged to safely and responsibly dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs.

From 10 am to 2 pm, April 27, Lexington County residents can anonymously bring leftover prescriptions to the Sheriff’s Department’s headquarters at 521 Gibson Road for and safe disposal.

Drop-off locations are also available Saturday at:

• Medicine Mart on Sunset Boulevard

• BiLo on Augusta Road in West Columbia

• CVS and Walgreen’s on Sunset Boulevard in Lexington.

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration’s Take Back Day started as a way to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths by encouraging proactive collections.

Oftentimes, unused prescription drugs end up lost or stolen.

It is our hope to work together with the public to take many of these opportunities off the street.

Last fall Americans turned in more than 900,000 pounds of prescription drugs at more than 10,000 sites.

Many still believe it is OK to dispose of your unwanted prescriptions by flushing or throwing them away.

These methods pose potential safety and health hazards. The public is now encouraged to safely dispose of drugs through official drop-off locations only.

Help us keep Lexington County safe by turning in your unneeded prescription drugs.

Only pills and patches are accepted, including over-the-counter medications. Liquids, needles or sharps are not accepted.

Can’t make Saturday’s event? A 24-hour drop box is conveniently located in the Sheriff’s Department front lobby.