The University Police Department will be taking back prescription drugs for the safety of Ball State students.
UPD is teaming up with the Drug Enforcement Administration for the first nationwide Prescription Drug Take-Back Day from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the rear of University Police Headquarters at 200 N. McKinley Ave.
The DEA announced Monday that collection sites will be available throughout the country for people to discard potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
UPD didn't initially know about the initiative, but when the department heard about it, it jumped at the opportunity.
"It came about rather quickly," said Robert Fey, associate director of Public Safety. "When we were aware of [Take-Back Day], we contacted the DEA and asked if they would consider us."
Fey said UPD became involved because there weren't any participating sites in Delaware County.
"We felt it was appropriate for there to be a drop-off site," he said. "There's no reason we shouldn't be the agency, so we volunteered for it."
Fey said controlled substance abuse is one of UPD's major concerns.
Earlier in the month, Indiana University student Jarrod Polston died while visiting friends in a Ball State residence hall. Evidence at the scene and statements from friends indicate the group was using methadone and drinking alcohol. Delaware County coroner Jim Clevenger said the drug and alcohol use led to Polston's death.
Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family, friends and home medicine cabinets, according to a press release from the DEA. Many Americans often flush unwanted prescription medicine because they don't know how to properly dispose of them, causing potential safety and health hazards.
Fey said drop-offs will be anonymous with no questions asked.
"If you have medication you don't need, there's no reason to not drop it off," he said. "People can drop it off and be on their way."
Students and members of the community can drop their prescription drugs off Saturday. Intravenous solutions, injectables, needles and illicit substances such as marijuana will not be accepted.
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