Free prescription drug disposal

Law enforcement agencies are working with the Mat-Su Borough to provide a safe, free means for the public to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.

People may dispose of prescription drugs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 30 at three locations in the Mat-Su Borough.

• Wasilla Fred Meyer, 1501 E. Parks Hwy.

• Palmer Fred Meyer, 650 S. Cobb St.

• Talkeetna’s Sunshine Community Health Center, 34300 S. Talkeetna Spur Road.

Last September, Americans turned in 121 tons of prescription drugs at nearly 4,100 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Authority and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners. Mat-Su residents turned in 222 pounds of prescription medications.

This effort addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse. 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, contact Ali Little at 745-9557 or email Ali.Little@matsugov.us.