Ohio Northern University’s chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) will conduct “Operation Drug Disposal,” a Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Drug Take Back Day, at the circle in front of McIntosh Center on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Working in conjunction with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Operation Drug Disposal is an effort to safely dispose of old or unneeded prescription and over-the-counter medications. The event is aimed toward students, staff and the surrounding communities in order to spread both awareness of proper medication disposal and the growing problem of prescription medication abuse.

Pharmacists and law enforcement will be present for the duration of the event. All disposals are confidential and are not limited to pills. Solids, patches, liquids and sharps (needles) will be accepted. Expired vitamins and over-the-counter medications will be accepted as well.

The event is sponsored by the DEA and is an operation of APhA-ASP’s Generation Rx initiative. The Generation Rx Initiative, developed by the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and funded by the Cardinal Health Foundation, is an educational program that increases public awareness of prescription medication abuse and encourages health care providers, community leaders, parents, teens and college students to actively work to prevent abuse.