Prescription Drug Take-Back Program

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - This Saturday is the first ever nationwide prescription drug take back. It's free and anonymous and police say you'll be helping them fight addiction and abuse.

The Drug Enforcement Agency says rates of prescription drug abuse are increasing at alarming rates and so are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses.

Studies are also showing the majority of abused prescription drugs come from the medicine cabinets of family and friends.

To help with the local effort, Memphis police will be stationed at 4 area Kroger stores to oversee the collections and answer any questions.

"We wanted to let everybody know this is a volunteer type program that's all anonymous. You don't have to say a word to us. Just drop the medicine and leave," MPD's Karen Rudolph.

Now many of us may have disposed of old medicine by flushing it, or throwing it away. But the DEA says both are potential safety and health hazards.

If you have old medicine, and want to participate in the prescription drug take-back, you can visit the following stores: 1234 Finley Road, 3444 Plaza Avenue, 3860 Austin Peay Highway, 676 N. Germantown Parkway.

You can also click on the link attached to this story.

The take back goes from 10:00 am- 2:00 pm Saturday.

The Shelby County sheriff's office and other Mid-South police departments are also involved.