On April 27, the Pennsauken Township Police Department is taking part in an initiative designed to keep unused prescription drugs from being misused and off the streets.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Agency, National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.

According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 6 million Americans misused controlled prescription drugs. The study shows that a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

On Saturday, April 27, Pennsauken Police are encouraging residents to safely dispose of prescription drugs using the secure depository in the lobby of the town’s police station, located at 2400 Bethel Ave. A repurposed mail box, the drug collection unit keeps prescription medicine away from children and the water supply. In addition to National Prescription Drug Prescription Day, the Pennsauken Police’s drug collection unit is available in the station’s lobby 24 hours a day, seven days a week.