On Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Teen Challenge and Sam's will partner with the Muscogee County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to Take Back unwanted prescription drugs.

This Take Back event will provide the 17th opportunity in nine years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring pills and patches for disposal to Sam's at 5448 Whittlesey Boulevard in Columbus. (Only pills or patches will be accepted - no liquids, needles or sharps.)

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Teen Challenge volunteers will be on site to provide drug prevention and recovery information.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue that lies at the heart of the Teen Challenge mission to free all people from the grips of addiction. "In the U.S., more than 130 people die every day due to an opioid overdose," explained Brice Maddock, President and CEO of Teen Challenge Southeast Region. "Getting these medications out of our homes helps keep them from falling into the hands of friends and loved ones who may be at risk or who already suffer from substance abuse.  It also prevents thieves from selling the drugs on the black market."

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows the majority of misused and abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

Georgia ranks eleventh in the country for prescription opioid abuse, and the local epidemic is growing. "Unfortunately, the opioid crisis is not only relegated to large cities like Atlanta, it's a local crisis affecting our family and friends right here in the Chattahoochee Valley," said Sgt. Jeremy Hattaway, Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office.

Last fall Americans turned in nearly 460 tons (more than 900,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,800 sites operated by the DEA and almost 4,800 of its state and local law enforcement partners. Overall, in its 16 previous Take Back events, DEA and its partners have taken in almost 11 million pounds-nearly 5,500 tons-of pills.

Flushing medications down the toilet or throwing them in the trash both pose potential safety and health hazards, so this event also serves to protect public health and the environment. For anyone unable to participate in the April event, the Muscogee County
Sheriff’s Office operates a prescription drug drop box during business hours at 100 10th Street on the fourth floor.