People dropped off 273 pounds of prescribed medications and over-the-counter medicines at the second annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday at the downtown Kent Police Station.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The total was nearly 100 pounds more than last September’s event, according to a Kent Police media release.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Officers reported a steady stream of people stopping by the Kent Police Station throughout the day to surrender their unused or unwanted medicines in a safe, secure environment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents continue to take advantage of this opportunity as a safe way to dispose of their medications,” said Stacy Judd, a Kent Police public education specialist.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While most participants brought a few medications to the event, others packed their unwanted medicines into large bags and even boxes. Some of the medicines were unused; others were outdated or simply not needed. Many of the medications turned in were decades old.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The nationwide effort was spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local authorities.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Due to their ready access, prescription drugs are now the second most commonly abused narcotic in America. While most people take prescription medications responsibly, 48 million people have reported using prescription drugs for nonmedical reasons. This represents nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Kent Police hope to add another Prescription Drug Take Back Day later this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n