This Saturday from 10 to 2 p.m., another effort to get rid of unused prescription drugs will be held.
The Okmulgee County Consortium, Henryetta Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is going to hold another "Take Back" effort. That program allows area residents to bring expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to the Henryetta police department.
Only pills and patches will be accepted. No liquids or needles can be dropped off.
This is the 11th time the Take Back program has been held in the past six years. At a similar one in September, 2015, Americans turned in 350 tons (over 702,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,000 sites.
Overall, in its 10 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in over 5.5 million pounds—more than 2,750 tons of pills.
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.
In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.
For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the April 30 Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website or OSU Prevention Programs at 918-756-1248.