Turn in your unwanted medications at take-back event April 30

The Kansas City Police Department is joining with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor a drug take-back event Saturday, April 30.

Police will be at locations throughout the City from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to collect unused prescription and over-the-counter medicine. Drugs can be handed over to police, no questions asked. Neither the DEA nor police will track who disposes of the drugs or what types of drugs. All types of drugs will be accepted from individuals with the exception of needles, injectables, and aerosols/inhalers. Excess medication from businesses such as pharmacies, hospitals and physicians will not be accepted. The DEA will take possession of the drugs and transport them to be incinerated.

Kansas City Missouri Police collected 853 pounds of drugs at last September’s take-back event. Nationwide, more than 702,000 pounds of unused, unwanted and expired drugs were turned in that day. Turning the drugs in prevents diversion, misuse and abuse. According to the DEA, studies show a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Turning in unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to police also is the safest and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of them.

The Kansas City, Mo., locations where people can drop off the drugs are:

• Walgreens – 5400 Independence Ave.
• MainCor Parking Lot – 3215 Main St.
• Price Chopper – 8430 Wornall Rd.
• Children’s Mercy Hospital – 2401 Gillham Rd.
• North Patrol Division – 1001 NW Barry Rd.
• Shoal Creek Patrol Division – 6801 NE Pleasant Valley Rd.
• South Patrol Division – 9701 Marion Park Dr.

For more information, visit the DEA’s Take Back web site.