INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller is urging all Hoosiers to clean out their medicine cabinets Saturday and dispose of unused prescription medications to deter abuse, as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day April 30.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of drug overdose deaths (more than six out of ten) involve prescription opioid painkillers or opioid-based heroin.

“There is no reason to leave powerful prescription drugs laying around where they are accessible to children, teens or anyone to whom the medications are not prescribed,” Zoeller said. “This accessibility contributes to Indiana’s addiction crisis. Doing your part to dispose of unneeded prescriptions is an easy, yet critical step to keep your family safe.”

All members of the public are invited to anonymously drop off any unneeded medications for safe disposal this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at available locations across the state. To find a location in your community, click here or call the DEA at 1.800.882.9539.

“In a recent study, the CDC reported people who are addicted to prescription opioid painkillers are 40 times more likely to be addicted to heroin. The prescription take-back day is an opportunity for people to help reduce the threat,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Greg Westfall. “To prevent potential theft or misuse, take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet of unwanted or unused prescription drugs and dispose of them properly.”

The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Tomorrow, the Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force is partnering with the Indiana State Police to host a prescription drug take-back event in Indianapolis. The Task Force will also be handing out free medication disposal bags that neutralize prescriptions, including controlled substances, on Saturday during Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana’s Community Shred It Day, which is also hosting a take-back site.

All but four of Indiana’s 92 counties now have permanent prescription drug take-back sites. For a list of permanent prescription drug take-back locations, visit www.BitterPill.in.gov and click “Medication Disposal.” Other safe disposal tips and information can be found here.

Indiana pharmacies interested in starting a take-back program can contact US Clean Water Organization to apply for a Yellow Jug Old Drugs starter kit, provided through a grant offered by Eli Lilly and Companies.

For more information on the Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Task Force and resources for the public on preventing Rx abuse, visit www.BitterPill.in.gov.