On Saturday, Oct.29, the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement will once again host a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The purpose of this day is to provide a venue for the public to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This endeavor has been a huge success in removing potentially dangerous prescription drugs (particularly controlled substances) from our nation’s medicine cabinets. In the past year, over 4,000 state and local law enforcement agencies throughout the nation participated in these events. Over 309 tons of pills were collected.

The Take Back Day will also overlap the final day of Red Ribbon Week. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is increasing at an alarming rate. Red Ribbon Week is designed to raise awareness of drug use and drug-related problems facing our community. In 2009, 7 million people over the age of 12 used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons during the month prior to being surveyed. This was a 13 percent increase over 2008. The majority of Americans 12 and older (70-78 percent, depending on the drug) who abused prescription drugs, obtained them from friends, family, or from their home medicine cabinets.

"The amount of prescription drugs turned in by the American public during the first two Take-Back events is simply staggering—309 tons—and represents a clear need for a convenient way to rid homes of unwanted or expired prescription drugs," said DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart. "DEA is hard at work establishing a drug disposal process and will continue to offer take-back opportunities until the proper regulations are in place.

The Baldwin County Community Alliance is partnering with the DEA and local law enforcement in advertising the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day by sponsoring television and radio PSAs. BCCA operates through Baldwin County Mental Health Center prevention services.  The BCCA is comprised of community agencies that meet regularly to discuss and implement strategies that target underage drinking and drug use among area youth.

Drop Off Locations and Times

Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Lillian Substation (located in the upper part of the United Bank building) United Bank, 34354 U.S. Hwy, 98, Lillian

Bay Minette Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Wal-Mart Super Center 701 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette

Drop Off Location: Winn Dixie 301 McMeans Ave., Bay Minette

Fairhope Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Fairhope Police Department (Front Lobby) 107 N. Section St.

Foley Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Wal-Mart 2200 S. McKenzieSt.

Gulf Shores Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Walgreens, 1421 Gulf Shores Pkwy.

Silverhill Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Silverhill Town Hall (intersection of Hwy 104 and County Road 55) 15965 Silverhill Ave.

Spanish Fort Police Department 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Drop Off Location: Medicap Pharmacy 6941 Spanish Fort Blvd.