Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Police departments and pharmacies across the Valley joined a national effort on Saturday to help families safely get rid of old and unused medications.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, organized by the DEA, provides an opportunity twice a year for residents to safely dispose of prescription drugs — helping prevent misuse, addiction, and accidental poisonings.

In Newton Falls, the police department hosted a drop-off event in their lobby, where residents could turn in medications no longer needed. Chief John Barco said the event is crucial in keeping homes safer.

"We're participating in the DEA national drug take back program," Barco said. "Anyone who wants to drop off prescription drugs they don’t want around their house can bring them here — no questions asked."

Barco emphasized that while the department accepts pills and patches, it does not take needles, liquids, or inhalers. Once collected, the medications are secured, weighed, and documented before being turned over to the DEA for proper destruction.

"We don't want drugs laying around where maybe a child could get into the medicine cabinet, ingest the pills, and overdose," Barco said. "Bringing them here helps prevent that."

Robert Horner, an auxiliary officer and security guard at the courthouse, said events like these also help protect the environment.

"When we take these medications, the DEA incinerates them — keeping them out of the water system and out of landfills, where they could cause even more harm," Horner explained.

While Drug Take Back Day brings special attention to the issue, residents don't have to wait for the next event. Safe disposal kiosks are available year-round at many local pharmacies, including CVS and Meijer, and Newton Falls Police Department offers a secure drop box during regular lobby hours.

The DEA continues to encourage communities nationwide to take part in safe medication disposal as part of the larger effort to reduce drug misuse and overdose deaths.