(KLZA) The public is encouraged to participate in a medication take back event Saturday in Auburn.  From 10 a-m until 2 p-m Saturday you can drop off outdated and unused prescription and over the counter medications at either the parking lot at the ShopKo pharmacy or the Family Value Pharmacy parking lots.

Laura Osborne, Director of the Nemaha Against Drug and Alcohol Abuse Coalition says there are a number of good reasons to participate in the Take Back Event with perhaps the most important one,  helping protect young people in the area.  Osborne says “Pharming and Skittling” parties are dangerous and that adults need to understand these terms.  ( play audio  1:00) 

Another good reason to get rid of outdated medications through a “Take Back Event” versus flushing them down the toilet is to protect the environment.  ( play audio :20 seconds ) 

Obviously prescription drugs for pain are dangerous, but Osborne says over the counter medications can also be dangerous.  ( play audio  :16 seconds) 

If you have medications to get rid of,  it is very easy to do so.  Just bring them to one of the drop sites and hand them off out the window and no questions will be asked.  ( Play audio :16 seconds ) 

The NAADA Coalition has a number of partners for the Take Back Event in Auburn on Saturday.  ( play audio  :30 seconds ) 

Osborne does remind everyone that syringes, sharps and injection medications will not be accepted at the Take Back Event. 

Nationally more than 15,500 American’s die each year From prescription pain killer abuse according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information go to the NAADA Coalition website;