In response to an increase in drug abuse among our children, including prescription medication, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson is set to host the department's first Take Back Drugs event. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Madera Sheriff's Oakhurst Office, 48267 Liberty Drive.

Anderson believes this Take Back program is a positive step toward public awareness in our county's effort to combat drug abuse among our children.

"The goal is to give parents, and all residents, a place where they can properly dispose unused, unwanted, or expired medications safely," Anderson said.

Anderson considers this an important community service for our citizens who recognize the need for destroying controlled substances in a safe, secure, and non-hazardous manner.

"We are issuing this public notice in advance to make sure the public is aware and can plan accordingly," he said.

Anderson is offering this service to all countywide residents including all Assisted Living Centers currently operating in Madera County.

Easy access and available parking will be available to the public at both drop-off locations.

Collection Day Protocols:

Controlled, non-controlled, and over the counter substances may be collected. The general public is often unaware of the distinction in medication status.

This program is anonymous and all efforts will be made to protect the anonymity of individuals disposing of medications. No questions or requests for identification will be made.

Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove any identifying information from the prescription label.

All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Intra-venous solutions, injectibles, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazard posed by blood-borne pathogens.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers. All participants must retain possession of their own medication during the surrender process. Law enforcement personnel will not handle the medications at any time.

No hazardous materials or waste, firearms, or any other items other than pharmaceuticals will be accepted or disposed of at the collection sites.