WBIR to Hold Drug Take-Back Event in Clinton on November 14th

WBIR is inviting the public to turn in old and unwanted medication during a take-back event set for Tuesday, Nov. 14.

The take-back, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clinton Police Department, is part of the station's effort to raise awareness about the opioid crisis in East Tennessee.

Tennessee is seeing a similar increase across the state. The outbreak is blamed on abuse of prescription pills and heroin and exposure to the deadly effects of fentanyl.

Related: Seeking help about opioids? Help is out there

If you can't make it to the event, you can find a drug drop of location near you here.

Unused and unwanted prescription medications are an invitation for trouble. Curious children might end up taking them out of ignorance or as an experiment. Unused drugs are also theft targets.

If you no longer need a prescription medication in the house, experts advise it's better to remove it.

Take-backs are a safe way to do just that.

Medicines are destroyed in a manner that ensures they are not introduced into the water system, according to Deborah Crouse, media relations and project director for the Drug Coalition.

RELATED: Nearly 350 pounds of medications collected at WBIR drug take-back event in July

KPD also accepts unwanted medications 24 hours a day at its headquarters at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave. You can also drop off old and unwanted drugs at the Walgreens at North Northshore and Papermill Drives.

Other area cities and law enforcement agencies also occasionally hold drug take-backs.

For more information about medication take-backs, go here.

© 2017 WBIR

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