ABOVE PHOTO: Residents Jennifer Carter and Cathy Pendergrast turned in old medicines to Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Dowell Saturday during National Prescription Drugs Take Back Day in April.

Unused or expired medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration reported.

The DEA’s Take Back Day events nationwide Saturday, Oct. 23 provide an opportunity for Americans to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths.

Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will join the DEA in providing a place for people to get rid of the medications safely from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Sheriff’s Office at 940 New Salem Highway in Murfreesboro.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Robert Dowell and Cpl. Tom Bunch will collect the medications in front of the Sheriff’s Office’s main lobby.

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Residents who cannot attend Saturday may drop off unused and expired medicine anytime at the bin just inside the Sheriff’s Office’s main entrance.

DEA reported the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a crucial public safety and public health issue.

About 9.7 million people misused prescription pain relievers, 4.9 million people misused prescription stimulants and 5.9 million people misused prescription tranquilizers or sedatives in 2019, reported the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The survey also showed that a majority of misused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.

Besides saving lives, the proper disposal of unused drugs protects the environment, DEA reported.