On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Olathe Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public the opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your pills for disposal to the Olathe Medical Center Pavilion (21120 152nd St.). (Pills and patches only; the DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps). This service is free and anonymous; no questions asked.

This initiative 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 —pose potential safety and health hazards.

Visit the DEA diversion website for more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the Drug Take Back Day event.