Nearly a ton of prescription medicines turned in on “Take-Back Day” April 30

A total of 1,876.4 pounds of expired or unused prescription medications were collected in greater Prince William County on Saturday, April 30th, according to a news release from the Prince William County Police Department.

The Crime Prevention Unit of the Prince William County Police Department, volunteers from the Prince William County Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association and the Prince William Crime Prevention Council, members of City of Manassas Police Department,  U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents as well as Novant Health Prince William Medical Center, Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center and Sentara Lake Ridge all participated in the DEA’s “Take Back” initiative.

Here is the collection breakdown by location, according to the news release:
• Novant Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas – 730.5 lbs.
• Sentara in Lake Ridge – 623.9 lbs.
• Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center off US 15/I-66 in Haymarket – 522 lbs.

The nationwide prescription drug “Take-Back” initiative seeks to prevent pill abuse and theft. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

For more information, call the PWCPD’s Crime Prevention Unit at 703-792-7270.