Sept. 23, 2021
W.Va. Capitol Complex again hosting Drug Take Back Day site Oct. 23.
CHARLESTON, W.Va -- West Virginians can again dispose of unused or expired medications at the state Capitol Complex, on Oct. 23 as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
The campus' new Safe Zone, located at the bus turnaround next to the Culture Center, will serve as a collection site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Recently established for child custody and other exchanges, the Safe Zone is accessible from the entrance to the Capitol grounds at the Greenbrier Street-Washington Street intersection. Participants can turn right at the guard post to get to the Safe Zone.
Drug Take Back Day allows everyday West Virginians to help prevent prescription drug abuse and theft by safely disposing of expired, unused and unwanted prescription medications. The Safe Zone drop-off site cannot accept liquid medications, or needles and other sharps.
The W.Va. Capitol Police partners with the state Attorney General's Office to host Drug Take Back Day at the complex, as part of a national initiative by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
"Every container of unused, unwanted and expired medication has the potential of falling into the wrong hands," Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said. "Safely disposing of these medications is crucial to limiting supply and ending senseless death in West Virginia."
The DEA coordinates National Prescription Drug Take Back Day and Morrisey's office has participated each year since 2013, working with law enforcement agencies across the state. The previous Take Back Day, in April, saw 49 West Virginia law enforcement agencies participate, including the Capitol Police, and together they helped dispose of 5,660 pounds of expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. All told, 102,961 pounds of drugs have been collected statewide for safe disposal through these events. # # #
This version has been revised to clarify the DEA's coordination of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, and that the to-date volume of drugs reflects all events statewide.