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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesotans have a chance to get rid of their old and unused prescription drugs on Saturday.
April 26 is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. State Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson encourages Minnesotans to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs as a way to stop drug abuse before it starts.
Jesson says illegally used prescription drugs are usually obtained from a friend or relative. And she notes abuse of prescription painkillers has contributed to a rise in heroin and other opiate abuse.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has set Take-Back Day from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Unused prescription drugs also can be disposed of year-round at many local law enforcement and county offices.
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Online:
Take Back Initiative sites in Minnesota are listed at the DEA's Office of Diversion Control website: http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
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