Prescription Drug Collection this Saturday

San Rafael police and the Drug Enforcement Administration are sponsoring a prescription drug collection Saturday.

Residents may bring their expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs to City Hall at 1400 Fifth Ave. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The service is free and no questions will be asked, police spokeswoman Margo Rohrbacher said.

In April, the DEA and state and local law enforcement agencies held a nationwide prescription drug turn-in. Americans turned in 552,161 pounds of prescription drugs at more than 5,600 sites operated by the DEA and 4,300 state and local collection sites.

San Rafael police collected 148 pounds of drugs and over-the-counter medications in April.

"We expect to collect even more this time," Rohrbacher said.

"Medicines that languish in the home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse," Rohrbacher said.

Rates of prescription drug abuse and accidental poisonings and overdoses in the U.S. are alarmingly high, Rohrbacher said.

Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, and flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash pose safety and health hazards, Rohrbacher said.

San Rafael police and the DEA will hold drug take-back events every few months, Rohrbacher said.

Bay City News Service

See what else is happening in San Rafael:

1. Long-Gone Restaurants...Which Do You Still Miss?
2. Girl Dies of Injuries After Being Struck by SUV
3. Boyfriend Suspected of Poisoning 63-year-old Girlfriend with Chlorinated Water
4. Novato Man Accused of Assaulting Girlfriend in San Rafael
5. Attempted Murder Suspect Says Chlorinated Water Was Alternative Health Product

"Like" us on Facebook | Follow us Twitter | Get "Patched" in with our newsletter | Start a blog