By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

Those looking to get rid of unwanted or unused prescription drugs while helping to combat the state’s growing amount of drug abuse will have a chance to do so on Saturday, April 30.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force is partnering with the Alabaster Police Department, the Pelham Police Department and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office to hold a “no questions asked” prescription drug take-back day at multiple locations in the county.

“This is a no-questions-asked event. Our priority is to get unused and unwanted medication off the streets so it isn’t abused,” Drug Enforcement Task Force Commander Lt. Clay Hammac.

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on April 30, Alabaster and Pelham police officers and Task Force members will man the following three drop-off locations:

-Greystone YMCA at 5414 U.S. 280

-Alabaster Target store at 250 South Colonial Parkway

-Pelham Police Department at 32 Philip Davis St.

At each location, locals can either drop off unused and unwanted prescription medication in a drive-through or in person. Hammac said officers will be available at each location to answer questions and distribute information.

“According to the CDC, prescription pill overdoses continue to be one of the leading causes of death in young adults,” Hammac said in a video posted to the Task Force’s Facebook page. “Never before in our nation have we seen prescription pills abused like they are today.

“Bring any unwanted or unused drugs or medications, and we will ensure proper and safe disposal,” Hammac added. “You can also safely dispose of your unwanted or unused medications anytime throughout the year at any of our drop box locations throughout Shelby County. We are counting on you to help us eliminate prescription pill abuse.”

Year-round prescription drug drop-off boxes are available at the Alabaster Police Department, Chelsea Fire and Rescue Station, Harpersville Police Department, North Shelby Fire District, Pelham Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Montevallo Department of Public Safety.