The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is partnering with Safe Med LA, local law enforcement, and community leaders to host the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day at more than 30 local drop-off collection events on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In the Santa Clarita Valley, community members may drop off unwanted medications at the SCV Sheriff’s Station, 23740 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia 91355.

Residents are encouraged to bring unwanted or expired prescription medications for safe disposal. No liquids will be accepted.

“Many people who misuse or abuse prescription drugs obtain them from a friend or relative,” said Barbara Ferrer, Ph.D., MPH, MEd, Director of LA County Public Health. “We encourage everyone to rid their homes of medications that are expired, no longer needed, or potentially dangerous if taken by someone else. Please visit a drop-off location on Saturday to safely dispose of these unwanted medications.”

“About 1 in 5 individuals who started using illegal drugs in the past year reported that their first drug was a prescription pain medication,” said Gary Tsai, MD, Medical Director and Science Officer for Public Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Control Division, and chair of Safe Med LA. “By bringing unwanted or expired medicine to any of the drop-off locations, you will help reduce misuse and theft of prescription drugs and prevent accidental overdose.”

Safe Med LA is a broad, cross-sector coalition that takes a coordinated and multi-pronged approach to comprehensively address prescription drug abuse, lower prescription painkiller overuse and overdose deaths, and ensure the health, well-being, and safety of our communities.

Coalition members include medical societies, local health departments, health plans, clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, law enforcement, addiction treatment providers and others. To learn more about Safe Med LA, visit http://www.safemedla.org.

The Los Angeles County Drug Take-Back campaign kicked off on Thursday at the Pasadena Police Department with representatives from the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Pasadena Public Health Department.

To learn more about the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day and other participating locations, visit https://takebackday.dea.gov.