Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston Encourages West Virginians to Participate in DEA's National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is encouraging West Virginians to dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications during the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Properly disposing of unneeded prescription drugs can save lives and prevent medication misuse and abuse," Johnston said. "Every household that participates in Drug Take Back Day makes themselves and their community safer from potential harm and tragedy."

Take Back Day offers a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. More than 60 collection sites throughout the Southern District of West Virginia and elsewhere in the state have already been announced. A collection site locator and other information is available at www.DEATakeBack.com.

Law enforcement and other collection site partners will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container and the cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

April 26, 2025, is the 28th National Take Back Day since the DEA launched this initiative. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 9,600 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. The total includes 68.77 tons collected in West Virginia.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

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