On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Minocqua Police Department, in cooperation with Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center, will host a pharmaceutical drug take-back event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This program, which allows people to dispose of unwanted and unused prescription drugs, is sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Anyone wishing to safely dispose of unwanted, unused prescription drugs can come through the main entrance of the Marshfield Clinic and stop by the booth set up by the Minocqua Police Department and Clinic staff. Controlled, non-controlled and over-the-counter substances may be brought in for disposal.

This program is anonymous and there will be no questions or requests for identification. No liquids, intra-venous, injectables or syringes will be accepted. Remove all labels from medicine bottles to assure anonymity.

According to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 7 million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs. Each day, approximately 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time, according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet.

For more information, call the Minocqua Police Department at (715) 356-3234.