(St. George, UT) - Prescription Drug abuse has reached epidemic proportions in Southern Utah. Abuse among teens has continually increased over the past 6 years, more than doubling between 2007 and 2009.

The Washington County Prevention Coalition (WCPC) has made the reduction of this abuse one of their highest priorities. Research gathered by the coalition in 2010 showed that nearly 70% of teens who abuse these drugs don’t pay for them, they get them for free from their parents medicine cabinet, grandparents homes, or the homes of friends/neighbors. Continual reports from police and residents indicate that many people find their pills missing or stolen.

In an effort to reduce the number of these drugs available for kids to accidentally consume, or youth and adults to misuse/abuse, the Washington County Prevention Coalition, in conjunction with the Washington County Drug Task Force, the Federal Drug Administration and local Law Enforcement Agencies, is sponsoring the 3rd, Bi-annual Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

You can drop off your unused or expired prescription drugs at a a Take-Back Station in the parking lot of Hurst ACE Hardware, 160 North Bluff Street in St. George Saturday, April 28 between 10:00AM and 2:00PM.

Or you can visit the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington City Department of Public Safety, the Hurricane City Police Department, or the St. George City Police Department any weekday during normal business hours.

Remember to lock up the prescription drugs you must keep. For more information on how to protect loved ones and properly dispose of prescription medications, go to www.SouthwestPrevention.com