Williamston Police Department participating in Prescription Take-Back program

The Williamston Police Department will be participating in a collaborative effort with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), SLED, and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging to support the National Prescription Take-Back Initiative.

The National Take-Back Initiative provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical controlled and uncontrolled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and pose an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Funding for the initiative is provided by a grant by The Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging.

Results from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicate that about 15.3 million people ages 12 or older used prescription drugs non-medically in the past year, and 6.5 million did so in the past month. Every day, on average, 2,500 teens use them to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a DrugFree America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

The Williamston Police Department has implemented a full-time program by placement of a Medicine Take Back Box located in the front lobby of the building.  The collection is quick, convenient, and secure – supervised by law enforcement. The collection is free and open to the public, no appointments are necessary. Participants may dispose of medication in its original container, crossing out personal information, or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. This program is anonymous and no questions or requests for identification will be made. No effort will be made to count, inventory, or log medications.  If you need more information or assistance please call Kevin Marsee at 864-356-4112.