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Law enforcement agencies and public health officials across the Mid-Ohio Valley are gearing up for this Saturday’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a coordinated effort to safely dispose of unused, unwanted, or expired medications and help curb substance misuse in the region.

Locally, the Marietta Police Department will host a collection site at its headquarters at 301 Putnam St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Officers will be stationed outside the department building, making it easy for residents to drive up and drop off medications–no questions asked.

“We’ve done Take Back Day for years, and it’s really become a public service we’re proud to offer,” said Marietta Police Chief Katie Warden. “People often don’t know what to do with prescriptions after a loved one passes away or if they simply no longer need them. This program gives our community a safe, responsible way to get rid of those drugs.”

A detachment of the West Virginia State Police will be available at 3828 Staunton Turnpike in Parkersburg from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The initiative, led nationally by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is held twice annually and has proven to be a vital tool in the ongoing battle against opioid addiction. Since the program’s launch in 2010, nearly 10,000 tons of prescription medications have been collected and safely destroyed across the country.

In West Virginia, Attorney General JB McCuskey’s office will also be actively participating. McCuskey emphasized the life-saving potential of the initiative: “Take Back Day provides an invaluable service in keeping potentially deadly drugs out of our neighborhoods. By collecting unused or unwanted prescription medications, we can reduce the number of opioids and other pain medications in our communities.”

More than 60 collection sites have been announced across southern West Virginia, including locations in Beckley, Oceana, and Charleston. McCuskey’s office is partnering with various law enforcement agencies and community groups to support the event.

Some locations even received prescription drug incinerators and drop boxes through the state’s Dispose Responsibly of Prescriptions (DRoP) initiative, allowing for ongoing medication disposal.

In Marietta, the Take Back program almost faced budget-related challenges in recent years, but local advocate Cathy Harper, who Warden states is a well-known supporter of the recovery and mental health communities, successfully secured a grant to keep it going.

“This wouldn’t be possible without Cathy,” said Warden. “She stepped up and wrote the grant that pays for the necessary overtime, making sure we can keep this important service alive for the public.”

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Lisa G. Johnston also praised the program.

“Every household that participates in Drug Take Back Day makes their community safer from potential harm and tragedy,” she said. “Properly disposing of unneeded prescription drugs can save lives and prevent medication misuse.”

Residents can dispose of tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid prescription medications.

While sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs, sealed liquid medications like cough syrup may be dropped off if they are in their original containers with secure lids.

For more information or to find the nearest collection site, visit www.DEATakeBack.com.