Officials with the Council Bluffs Police Department say several agencies have banded together to sponsor a prescription drug take back program on October 29^th. The program provides an opportunity for the public to dispose of potentially dangerous, expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs. The drop off location for those medications will be at the Walgreen’s store at 2508 West Broadway Street, in Council Bluffs, from 10-a.m. until 2-p.m., on October 29^th. Other disposal sites include the Hy-Vee Pharmacy in Red Oak, and the Carter Lake City Hall.

Officials say disposing of meds by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them into the trash pose potential safety and health hazards. Medicines that are left in the home are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Studies show the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Last April, Americans turned in more than 376,590 pounds — or, 188 tons — of prescription drugs at nearly 5,400 sites operated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and more than 3,000 state and local law enforcement partners.

The Council Bluffs P-D has participated in three National Take Back Day events since the program’s inception in 2010. Those efforts have yielded an average of 176 pounds of surrendered prescription drugs in the City. For additional sites accepting prescription meds on October 29^th, check out the DEA’s website at http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/