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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Saturday October 28, 2017, is national prescription drug “Take Back Day.”

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem reminds North Dakota residents who want to safely dispose of unused prescription and over the counter medications that they can turn to the state’s free, year-round Take Back program.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use & Health, unused medications pose a risk for accidental exposure, misuse and abuse. Stenehjem notes that one study found half of patients have leftover prescription pills and are unsure of how to safely dispose of them.

“The Take Back program makes it easy for us all to do our part to keep these dangerous and addictive medications off the street,” said Stenehjem.

Since the Take Back program began in December 2009, more than 10 tons (20,234 pounds) of unused prescription drugs and over the counter medications have been collected and destroyed.

Take Back disposal containers are located at local law enforcement agencies across the state. Containers for the companion “MedSafe” take back program are at the pharmacy counters at participating pharmacies.

Some area drop off sites include the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Tara’s Thrifty White in Oakes, Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, Emmons County Sheriff’s Office, Foster County Sheriff’s Officer and Central Pharmacy in Carrington, LaMoure County Sheriff’s Office in Ashley, and Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office.

More information about the state’s Take Back and MedSafe locations is available on the “Take Back” link on the Attorney General’s website, or by going directly to www.takeback.nd.gov.