MADISON – Residents can turn in unused or expired medications for safe disposal during the Drug Take-Back Initiative on Oct. 12.

(CONTRIBUTED)

The collection effort is a county-wide, community-wide collaboration among several local law enforcement agencies, businesses and organizations.

The take-back involves Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, City of Huntsville, Huntsville City Police, City of Madison, Madison City Police, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Operation Green Team, Solid Waste Disposal Authority, Covanta Huntsville and XMed.

“Anyone can drop off their unused, unlabeled medications,” Dr. Harry L. Hobbs said. Hobbs works as communications relations officer for the Huntsville Police Department.

Three take-back sites will be open on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon:

* Madison Police Department, 100 Hughes Road in Madison.

* Huntsville Jaycees Building, 2180 Airport Road in Huntsville.

* Flint River Baptist Church, 12945 Hwy. 231 N. in Hazel Green.

Since the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) started the initiative, 5,659 take-back sites have been available in all 50 states and U.S. territories. When Take-Back Initiative days are complete nationwide, the DEA and its state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners will have removed more than 1.5 million pounds or 774 tons of medication from circulation.

Nationally, teenage prescription drug abuse is rapidly increasing. “A family medicine cabinet can become a teenager’s best supplier,” Hobbs said.

In addition, residents are protecting the environment during the Take-Back Initiative. Collection programs greatly reduce the chance of medicines entering city and county water supplies.

This program is handled anonymously, Hobbs said. Police officers or other individuals will not collect personal information. Before arriving at drop-off points, residents should remove or blacken all labels on prescription bottles.

For more information, call the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community at 256-539-7339 or email to partner@hiwaay.net.