FROM STAFF REPORTS

Local authorities are hosting drop off points for National Prescription Take-Back Day on Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event allows citizens to properly dispose of unneeded, unused, expired or unwanted prescriptions or over-the-counter medications – no questions asked.

Medications can be dropped off at three locations: the Greystone YMCA at 5414 U.S. 280, the Alabaster Target at 250 South Colonial Drive and the Pelham Police Department at 32 Philip Davis Street.

Medication take-back events address a vital public safety and public health issue, according to the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force, which is sponsoring the event, along with the Pelham Police Department, the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition and the DEA.

Medicines that stay in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse, according to the drug task force.

Shelby County data shows that the non-medical use of prescription and over-the-counter medications by middle and high school students is the second highest form of illicit drug abuse. Marijuana is first. A national study in 2007 found that of teens who reported abusing prescription pain killers, 70 percent said they got them from friends or relatives, often without their knowledge.

In April 2011, Shelby County residents turned in nearly 250 pounds of unwanted medications.