WEST VIRGINIA RECORD

WINFIELD -– Putnam County law enforcement officials have announced plans for the first countywide pill take-back program.

At a meeting Wednesday at the Putnam County Judicial Building, officials met to discuss the April 28 "Putnam County Take Back."

"The availability of prescription medication in our community has led to higher crime in the Putnam County area," Circuit Judge Phillip M. Stowers said. "Unused or outdated prescriptions have found their way
into the hands of our youth and now make the elderly a possible victim of a home invasion or a break-in.

"This united front against the pharmaceutical problem will help citizens of Putnam County dispose of their medications properly and make them less likely to be victimized.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 28, unused and unwanted
prescription medications can be dropped off at:

* The Buffalo Police Department,

* The Eleanor Police Department,

* The Hurricane Police Department,

* The Poca Police Department,

* The Putnam County Sheriff's Department, and

* The Winfield State Police Detachment.

The initiative is being sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's "Take Back" initiative and coordinated by the Putnam County wellness coalition and the Putnam County Drug Court, over which Stowers presides.

Putnam County Emergency Medical Services, the Putnam County School Board, H.O.S.A., and The Rock also are participating.