Drug Take Back Day underway

UNDATED - Jurisdictions across the country are participating Saturday in the National Drug Take Back Initiative.

In Hall County, four sites have been designated as collection points for unused prescriptions drugs since 10 a.m. and will continue the effort until 2 p.m. Law enforcement personnel are assisting with the collection of unused and/or outdated pharmaceuticals.

Hall County sites include:

*Lula Pharmacy, 6102 Banks St., Lula where Hall County Sheriff's deputies are partnering with Safe Kids of Hall County and distributing medication lock boxes to the first 75 participants.

*Gainesville Police Department at 701 Queen City Parkway, Gainesville.

*Braselton Police Department at 5040 Highway 53, Braselton.

*Boy Scout Troop 228 Spring Festival on Railroad Avenue, beside the Flowery Branch Police Department in Flowery Branch.

Earlier this week the Director of the Drug Free Coalition of Hall County, JP Banks, pointed out that prescription drug abuse is on the rise, not just among young people, but among all age groups.

"You know the average age of an accidental drug overdose victim is 45 to 54 years of age," said Banks.

Banks said in the United States one person dies every 19 minutes from an accidental drug overdose. He said that alarming statistic makes it even more vital to get unused prescription drugs out of homes and into the hands of those who can dispose of the drugs safely.