A recent study on drug use by of teens by the Partnership for a Drug Free America (PDFA) found that one in 9 children are abusing prescription pain relievers to get high.

In an effort to encourage residents to safely dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medicine, the Oconee Area Resource Council will be coordinating and working with Oconee County Sheriff's Office and Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission to bring a national initiative, The American Medicine Chest Challenge, to the county.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, members of the Sheriff's Office will be at WalMart from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. for the prescription take back program.

“It is our hope that our participation in this national event will help our residents see their medicine cabinets through new eyes -- as an access point for potential misuse of over-the-counter and prescription medicine by young people,” said Ann Hester, Executive Director, Oconee Area Resource Council, in a released statement.

According to Angela Helwig, Executive Director of Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission, “in addition, proper disposal of the drugs helps keep the chemicals out of our groundwater, streams and rivers – sources of our drinking water.”

The Five-Step American Medicine Chest Challenge includes:

1. Disposing of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine at an American Medicine Chest Challenge Disposal.
2. Taking inventory of your prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
3. Locking your medicine chest.
4. Taking your medicine(s) exactly as prescribed.
5. Talking to your children about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.

Find out more about the national initiative, visit www.americanmedicinechest.com.

Do you plan to participate in the prescription take back program?