LEOMINSTER - Senator Jennifer L. Flanagan (D-Leominster) announced today that Massachusetts residents will be able to properly and safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription drugs at more than 200 drop-off sites statewide on Saturday October 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as part of the 3rd National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Both the Ashby and Westminster Police Departments will host Prescription Drug Takeback programs.

The Take Back program, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in cooperation with local police departments, municipal offices, and medical facilities, was started last year in response to the growing need to provide safe ways for people to dispose of their prescription medications. So far, more than 305 tons of prescription drugs have been turned in nationwide at Take Back days held last fall and this past spring. The service is free and anonymous; drugs can be turned in with no questions asked.

"More people need to recognize the high street demand for some of the popular prescription medications out there, such as painkillers, anti-anxiety medication, or sleeping aids," said Senator Flanagan. "If these drugs are no longer needed, then this Take Back day is a great opportunity to dispose of them properly."

Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Surveys show that as many teenagers are now experimenting with highly- addictive prescription painkillers as are trying marijuana. The most commonly reported source of these drugs aren't drug dealers, but home medicine cabinets.

A recent survey of Massachusetts parents conducted by the Partnership at Drugfree.org, a national substance abuse prevention organization, found that 56 percent of households with children fail to dispose of or properly secure prescription pain medications, with one-third of homes keeping the medication in the kitchen.

Individuals may search for a drop-off-location through the event's website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html